Long-term predictions shows that a white Christmas will only come to an area spanning from Northern Karelia to South-West Lapland with any certainty. In south-westernmost Finland only every other year is snowy.
On Friday a strong precipitation front moved across Finland and brought snow especially to Northern Savo, Northern Karelia and an area stretching from Kainuu to Eastern Lapland. Snowfall in these regions was measured at 10-20 cm.
The following days will be a great deal warmer, however, starting on Sunday. In the south temperatures can rise as high as 10 degrees Celsius and Lapland will also mostly avoid freezing temperatures. The warmth and following rain will cause snow to melt in central areas, Northern Ostrobothnia and Kainuu.
At present forecasts do not show probable colder weather before the holidays, meaning that a white Christmas is unlikely in the south.
Central Finland is still something of a mystery, meteorologists say, as it is possible that on December 23 a low pressure front will pass through the country, possibly bringing rain.
The exact route of the low pressure front is as yet uncertain, but it may drop snow on southern regions, as well. The following days will bear more accurate readings.