It's Officially Winter In Lapland
Ski slopes in Finnish Lapland.
Image: YLE/Jarmo Honkanen
Winter has come to Finnish Lapland. According to the Finnish Meteorological Institute, "thermal winter" began in Lapland at the end of October.
By "thermal winter", meteorologists mean that the average round-the-clock temperature is now staying below the freezing point.
October was unusually cold throughout Finland, but especially in southern Lapland and north-central parts of the country. Winter snow cover now extends from northern Lapland into central parts of the region, even though the area received less precipitation during October than any other part of the country.
The lowest temperature recorded in October was -20.6 degrees Celsius, on the 12th of the month in Sodankylä. Up to 18cm of snow was measured on the ground at Saariselkä in the far north.
YLE