Temperatures fall as sleet and snow reach Kainuu

Rain is expected in many parts of Finland, with sleet and snow forecast for Koillismaa and Kainuu this evening, Yle reports. Driving conditions in those regions could deteriorate, especially overnight.

Temperatures will be a little above 10 degrees Celsius in the south. They will fall to below 5 degrees in many places, particularly in Ostrobothnia and Kainuu, where a gusty northeast wind is expected. Lapland will be mostly dry, with some sunshine, and frost is forecast overnight. Wind and wave warnings are in effect at sea.

Yle meteorologist Aleksi Lohtander said snow could still be on the ground around Kuusamo on Saturday morning, which would make it the season’s official first snow if the required measurement is reached. The Finnish Meteorological Institute defines the first snow as a layer of at least one centimetre recorded at a weather station at 8 a.m.

Rain will gradually clear on Saturday, although showers are expected in eastern Finland in the afternoon. Temperatures will also fall in the south, to well below 10 degrees, while much of Lapland is forecast to be sunny.

On Sunday, skies will be cloudy in southern and central Finland. High pressure will strengthen over the north, bringing sunshine to Lapland.