Weekend rains raised lake levels in southwest and central Finland

Heavy weekend rainfall has eased water levels in lakes across southwest and central Finland, the Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) reports.

Lake levels have returned to average in many areas, with some small lakes rising over 50 centimetres and larger lakes by 20–30 centimetres after daily rainfall exceeding 100 millimetres in places.

“Even for large lakes, the situation changed astonishingly fast,” said Syke researcher Harri Myllyniemi in a statement, noting that summer downpours are usually localised but Sunday’s rain covered an exceptionally wide area.

The rains also improved soil moisture in many locations, though eastern Finland’s drought persists. Water levels in Lake Päijänne remain 35 centimetres below average, Lake Kallavesi 28 centimetres below, and Lake Saimaa about 40 centimetres below normal for this time of year.

Low water levels have disrupted boating this summer, while groundwater shortages have raised concerns over supply.