Optimists still hanging out for warmer weather to come may find their smiles freezing somewhat at the latest weather predictions.
“Very strong low pressure is approaching Finland,” says Yle meteorologist Matti Huutonen. At least the Sunday storm that many had earlier predicted looks likely instead to skim up the western coastline, missing most of the mainland.
While the storm won't vent its full force on the mainland, it will still result in strong winds of up to 15 metres per second in sea areas, with gusts potentially reaching gale force. Rain is likely to be plentiful with more than 20mm of rainfall predicted for southern and central Finland.
“Bleakly windy and rainy Sunday, the cool and windy weather will continue next week,” says Huutonen.
At the start of the week a low pressure cell will move to the north, prompting an especially breezy start to the week for Lapland.
A rather special month
Such strong low pressure patterns are rare in July.
“July has on average 0.2 stormy days, that is, not even one every year,” says Huutonen.
On the plus side, reports are trickling in of international tourists announcing their pleasure at being able to cool off in Finland. The nation's waterlogged residents may not be so upbeat.