Record-early spring floods subside in southern Finland

The Finnish Flood Centre reports that this year’s unusually early and minor spring floods have largely receded in southern Finland up to the Oulu region, according to public broadcaster Yle. The peak is still expected next week in North Karelia, while areas north of Oulu may see flooding for up to two more months.

Snow levels this winter were lower than average, leading to smaller-than-usual floods. In addition, flooding along rivers south of Oulu occurred at record-early dates. The Kalajoki and Pyhäjoki rivers experienced their earliest spring floods in over a century.

Fears of ice jams—blockages caused by river ice—have so far materialised in only a few locations, though the risk remains north of Oulu.

Earlier this month, experts described northern Finland’s spring floods as historic, with conditions unseen in over 100 years.