Summer storm threatens flooding in southern and eastern Finland

A summer storm approaching Finland could bring up to 50 millimetres of rain, strong winds and localised urban flooding to the southern and eastern parts of the country, Yle reports. Outdoor plans in those regions are likely to be disrupted, according to Yle meteorologist Aleksi Lohtander.

“Some kind of summer storm is coming. I’m not entirely sure whether it will cross the threshold for a storm, but it will at least come close,” Lohtander said.

The storm will also bring thunderstorms. The heaviest thunderstorms are expected to remain on the Estonian side, but thunderstorms may affect southeastern Finland during the night between Saturday and Sunday. Strong winds are expected from Saturday evening through Monday, making it advisable to dismantle canopies and party tents.

Rainfall could reach 50 millimetres, or locally slightly more, across southern and eastern Finland over two days. The heavy rain could cause localised urban flooding, although the risk will be reduced because the rain is expected to fall over the course of a day rather than all at once.

The weekend weather will divide Finland into two distinct areas. Southern and eastern Finland, including Southwest Finland and Satakunta, will be rainy and windy. Ostrobothnia and Lapland will avoid the heaviest rain and winds, with temperatures of between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. Conditions there will be considerably better, although Lohtander said it would not necessarily be ideal weather for sitting outdoors.