Historic winds reach hurricane-force levels at Kylmäpihlaja in Finland

On a chilly November evening, the weather report from Kylmäpihlaja’s coastal station revealed conditions of wet snow and visibility limited to one kilometer. The details included air temperature, wind direction, and speed, measured in meters per second, at a weather station near Rauma. As the weather service issued alerts for severe northwest storms, with winds reaching up to 27 meters per second, sailors were warned about the expected conditions in the southern parts of the Gulf of Bothnia.

Notably, Kylmäpihlaja recorded winds of 33.5 meters per second, marking a historic moment as it registered hurricane-force winds for the first time within Finland’s measurement history. The previous record, set during the Aapeli storm in January 2019, reached 32.5 meters per second. Meteorologists note that while hurricane-force winds are rare, mountainous regions in Finland see comparable gusts more frequently.

The area around Kylmäpihlaja is known for its strong winds, which have become a point of interest for mariners and tourists alike. The island, located on the edge of the outer archipelago, is about one kilometer from the nearest island and about nine kilometers from the mainland. The lighthouse, built in 1953, remains a prominent feature of the site.

Despite the harsh conditions, many visitors are drawn to Kylmäpihlaja, especially during stormy weather. The hotel’s operator expressed that while summer vacations attract many, the allure of experiencing powerful autumn storms is a significant draw, although the narrow entrance to the harbor poses challenges for navigation during such events.