FMI consolidates weather stations as Lepola closes in Lappeenranta, Finland

The Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) has recently consolidated its weather observation stations to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. One notable closure occurred in Lappeenranta, where the Lepola weather station ceased operations. According to researcher Juho-Pekka Kaukoranta, this shift allows for all necessary weather data to be accessed from a single station, addressing both operational efficiency and budgetary constraints. The FMI is facing a cost-reduction target of €6.1 million by 2027, which may result in the discontinuation of several measurement stations. Currently, the names of the stations to be closed have not been disclosed.

Kaukoranta emphasized that Finland already has a sufficient number of measurement stations, with new ones being established only when they are needed by the Defence Forces or the Border Guard. In Southeast Finland, visibility and cloud observations are crucial for air surveillance. While some stations are vital for safety, they are not necessarily tied to a specific location.

In areas with multiple stations, such as near airports, the FMI can provide comprehensive data, including rainfall and snow depth, from one location, simplifying access for users. Vesa Kurki, the head of observation services, noted the immense scientific value of long-term, consistent climate data.

The Lepola station’s rain and snow measurement instruments were relocated to the Aviapolis area near the airport late last summer. Lappeenranta now hosts three measurement stations, including the airport and others at Hiekkapakassa and Konnunsuo. According to Kurki, the closure of a few individual stations will not significantly affect the accuracy of weather forecasts.