Finland issues first heat warning of the year as temperatures hit 30°C

Finland’s first heat warning of the year has been issued for North Karelia as a surge of warm air pushes temperatures to 30°C on Wednesday, according to national broadcaster Yle. However, the brief heatwave is expected to end by Thursday.

Meteorologist Elias Paakkanen told Yle that Wednesday could be even hotter than Tuesday, when the country recorded its first official heat day of the year—29.1°C in Kouvola. The heat warning now covers eastern Finland, stretching from South Karelia to Kainuu.

While much of the country will not reach heatwave conditions, temperatures will remain summer-like, hovering around 20°C. A cold front divides Finland into two distinct weather zones: warm air dominates the east, while cooler, rainier conditions prevail in the west. The temperature difference between regions like Vaasa and Joensuu could reach 15°C.

The heat is expected to be short-lived. By late week, the weather will turn unstable, though temperatures will stay mild. Friday is forecast to be the coolest and wettest day, with highs around 15°C, particularly in the south. Sunny periods will see temperatures fluctuating around 20°C, making Wednesday the last heat day of the week.