Finland braces for weekend heat wave with temperatures near 30 °C

A heat wave is set to sweep across Finland from Friday through Sunday, with daytime highs generally reaching 23 °C‑28 °C in the south and central regions and occasional peaks close to 30 °C in the southeast and east, according to the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI). Meteorologist Oskari Rockas said the current nationwide high of 30.2 °C could be matched or exceeded, especially in North‑Karelia and surrounding areas.

The FMI has issued “tukala” heat warnings for areas where daytime temperatures are expected to exceed 27 °C and the daily mean will be above 20 °C. Warnings apply on Saturday in eastern Finland and more broadly on Sunday across the south, potentially remaining in effect until Monday. Health risks are highlighted for vulnerable groups.

Thunderstorms and heavy rain are also forecast, particularly in southern Finland, raising flood warnings from Varsinais‑Suomi to Päijän‑Häme and Kymenlaakso. The institute warned of possible local flooding, especially in low‑lying urban areas, and fire‑related alerts for Åland and parts of Ostrobothnia. After the weekend, temperatures are expected to moderate, with daytime highs dropping to the 20 °C‑25 °C range.