Severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall forecast for western Finland this weekend

A weather front is expected to move into Finland from the west on Friday, bringing thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. According to Yle meteorologist Laura Tuomola, residents in the western parts of the country should prepare for intense lightning and possible urban flooding. For instance, about 11 millimeters of rain fell at the Pelmaa observation station in Seinäjoki within just half an hour on Friday morning. Thousands of lightning strikes have already been recorded over the marine areas west of Finland.

The slow-moving weather front could lead to localized heavy rainfall, with downpours exceeding 20 millimeters per hour possible, Tuomola warns. The Finnish Meteorological Institute has issued warnings for severe thunderstorms and intense rain in several regions of western Finland on Friday. Thunderstorms may produce strong gusts of wind, exceeding 15 meters per second.

On Saturday, a significant portion of the country will also be at risk for heavy rainfall. According to Tuomola, the weather front will not move much throughout Friday and will only shift further east by Saturday. Rain is anticipated across southern, central, and eastern Finland on Saturday, while thunderstorms are expected to weaken.

Despite the rain, temperatures could be unusually warm for this time of year, especially in southern and southeastern Finland. Tuomola indicated that Friday might see temperatures approaching the heat threshold in these regions, which is typically uncommon in October. By Saturday, temperatures will decrease to between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius nationwide, with the warmest conditions likely in the easternmost parts. Little change in temperature is expected on Sunday.