Meteorologist rules out heatwave as Helsinki beachgoers savour summer

Yle reports that a heatwave is not expected in the coming days, although people at Hietaniemi beach in Helsinki are making the most of the last warm days of summer.

Wind is pushing waves towards the shore, carrying a chill that can be felt as the nights begin to darken. Temperatures are expected to remain around 19 to 20 degrees Celsius, with unsettled weather.

Eight-year-old Urho Jääskeläinen is chasing his swimming ring after the wind carried it towards the bushes at the edge of the beach.

“I hope it gets away again,” Jääskeläinen says, making clear that chasing the ring is part of the fun.

Riikka Tähtivuori says she came to wash away the dust from the Flow Festival by swimming.

“It isn’t cold at all,” Tähtivuori shouts.

Anni and Emma Komulainen, a mother and daughter, are also spending the day at the beach. They had originally planned to spend time together in Rhodes but ultimately stayed in Helsinki.

“We didn’t know beforehand that the weather would be this good,” Anni Komulainen says.

Yle meteorologist Elias Paakkanen says the coming days will not bring sunny beach weather. Forecasts remain uncertain, but no heatwave is expected.

Southern Finland may receive some sunshine, although showers could arrive unexpectedly. Rain is more likely in central and northern Finland.

Warmer weather could still return in September. An Indian summer may bring a surprise, although hot days are rare at that time of year. As many as eight hot days were recorded in September two years ago, setting a record.