Finland faces heavy rain and potential first snow on Friday

Gale-force gusts over western sea areas and a low-pressure system are slamming into Finland on Friday, carrying heavy rain, rising river levels, and the distinct possibility of the season’s first snowfall to Kainuu and Koillismaa.

Intensifying Easterly Winds and Western Rainfall

Foreca meteorologist Joonas Koskela noted in a weather blog that areas south of Lapland will endure significant rainfall over the course of the day as the center of the low-pressure system drifts partially over southern Finland.

While southern Finland can expect lower precipitation totals ranging between 5 and 20 millimeters, accumulations in many parts of central Finland are projected to reach 30 to 40 millimeters, with locally higher amounts on the horizon.

Severe Gusts Threaten Western Regions and River Levels

The strongest winds are battering western sea areas with gale-force gusts. On land, severe gusts threaten to trigger localized damage across the regions of Ostrobothnia, Central Ostrobothnia, Northern Ostrobothnia, and Kainuu.

Koskela warns that the heavy rainfall will push river levels upward, most notably in western areas.

Precipitation Turns to Sleet or Snow in Kainuu

Forecasts show parts of the precipitation transforming into sleet or snow, specifically targeting Kainuu and Koillismaa.

A narrow strip stretching from the northern part of South Ostrobothnia to Kainuu also faces a slight chance of sleet.

Saturday Morning Snowfall Projections

Drivers out for the Friday evening commute face slippery and hazardous road conditions and should exercise caution, particularly in Kainuu and Koillismaa where Koskela warns conditions will deteriorate. Depending on the intensity of Friday’s snowfall, Kainuu and Koillismaa could wake up to their first snowfall of the season on Saturday morning.

Under official definitions, reaching the threshold for the season’s first snow requires at least one centimeter of snow at a weather observation station during the summer season.