Mixed weekend weather ahead as rain and strong winds sweep Finland

Warm, moist air will bring rain to southern and western Finland on Saturday before shifting northward, while strong winds and thunderstorms are expected in Lapland by Sunday, according to Yle meteorologist Matti Huutonen.

A low-pressure system moving in from the south will deliver widespread rainfall, with western and southwestern regions seeing the heaviest downpours—locally up to 20 millimetres. The Åland archipelago’s southern islands may receive several centimetres of rain, Huutonen noted, calling the precipitation “more than needed” after a dry start to the year.

Saturday will remain dry in North Karelia, Kainuu, southeastern Finland, and most of Lapland, where temperatures could climb into heatwave territory. Finland’s highest temperature so far—28°C—was recorded Friday at Utsjoki observation station.

By Sunday, the rain will push northward, reaching central and northern Lapland with thunderstorms possible. Strong winds, amplified by the low-pressure system, will sweep across western sea areas and Ostrobothnia, while southern Finland stays dry and sunny with temperatures near 20°C.