Driving conditions will deteriorate across Finland on Thursday as heavy snow, freezing drizzle and rising temperatures sweep over the country, authorities have warned.
Up to 15 centimetres of snow is forecast in southern and central regions during the day, with conditions rated poor or very poor nationwide.
The Finnish Meteorological Institute said a broad area of snow and sleet will move in from the west late on Wednesday, spreading eastwards overnight and through Thursday.
The change follows weeks of dry, high-pressure weather.
Snow will fall across the country at first. In southern and central areas, accumulation is expected to reach between 5 and 15 centimetres. In some places totals could approach 20 centimetres before milder air turns snow into sleet and rain.
Freezing rain and freezing drizzle are likely in a narrow zone between the snow and rain bands, increasing the risk of ice on roads and pavements.
Fintraffic’s road traffic centre said conditions may shift rapidly and become unpredictable as temperatures rise. It urged motorists to allow extra time for journeys, particularly during the morning and afternoon rush hours.
Sanna Piilinen, traffic centre manager at Fintraffic, called on drivers to reduce speed and maintain longer safety distances. The company advised postponing travel where possible.
Meteorologists said winds will strengthen in southern and central Finland, reducing visibility during snowfall. In western areas, temperatures are expected to climb above zero on Thursday, reaching up to five degrees Celsius in the southwest. On Åland, temperatures could rise to between five and seven degrees by Friday.
As milder air spreads northwards, precipitation will increasingly fall as rain in southern and central regions on Friday and over the weekend. The zero-degree line is forecast to move close to Oulu by Friday.
North of Oulu, snow will remain the dominant form of precipitation, with 3 to 10 centimetres expected. In Lapland, overnight temperatures may still drop below minus 20 degrees if skies clear, though daytime readings will moderate later in the week.
Foreca meteorologist Anna Latvala said the pattern marks a shift towards more variable late-winter conditions. Daytime thaw and night-time frost are expected to continue, creating repeated freeze-thaw cycles on roads.
“First snow with wind weakens conditions, then freezing rain or drizzle in the south and centre, followed by thaw when water may lie on top of ice,” Latvala said.
Conditions are expected to remain unsettled into early next week, with colder air returning to southern Finland after the weekend.
HT