Finland’s Midsummer weekend is expected to be warmer and sunnier than earlier forecasts suggested, with temperatures approaching heatwave levels in parts of the country.
The latest forecast from Foreca says that high pressure moving north from southern Europe is likely to bring dry conditions across much of Finland for the holiday period, offering favourable weather for outdoor celebrations and traditional Midsummer bonfires.
Conditions are expected to improve steadily during the week after an unsettled start marked by rain, gusty winds and local thunderstorms.
By Friday, much of the country is forecast to enjoy dry weather, with the brightest conditions expected in southern and western Finland. Temperatures in those regions are likely to reach between 20°C and 23°C on Midsummer Eve.
Saturday is expected to be the warmest day of the holiday weekend. Forecasters say temperatures could exceed 25°C in parts of southern and western Finland.
Southwestern Finland is expected to see some of the highest readings, while inland areas across the south and west could also experience temperatures above the seasonal average.
Cloud cover is likely to be more persistent in northern and eastern parts of the country. Local showers remain possible in some areas, particularly in Lapland and near the eastern border.
Despite those regional differences, dry weather is expected to dominate across much of Finland during the holiday period.
The outlook has improved compared with earlier forecasts, which suggested a greater risk of rain during the Midsummer celebrations.
The warmer conditions arrive after several weeks of variable weather, with low-pressure systems bringing frequent rainfall to many regions.
Further into July, forecasts point to a return of warmer-than-average conditions across much of the country, although confidence remains lower at that range.
HT