Weekend begins with severe thunderstorms across Finland

Severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong wind gusts are expected across Finland this weekend, with Friday shaping up to be the most volatile day, according to Yle meteorologist Anne Borgström.

Thunderstorms may bring wind gusts exceeding 15 metres per second and rainfall rates of over 20 millimetres per hour in some areas. The Finnish Meteorological Institute has issued warnings for severe thunderstorms in regions including Pirkanmaa, Central Finland, and Northern Ostrobothnia, with storms expected nationwide by Friday.

Despite the storms, temperatures will remain warm in many areas, though cooler in the west where showers may keep temperatures below 20°C. The heaviest rain and thunderstorms are forecast to shift toward northern and eastern Finland by Friday evening.

Saturday may see scattered showers in the east and central regions, but temperatures in the south and southeast are expected to rise above 20°C. Sunday will be largely dry across most of the country, with temperatures widely exceeding 20°C. Some isolated afternoon showers may develop, but no prolonged rainfall is anticipated.