December 2008 was warm but unusually dark

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According to the Finnish Meteorological Institute, the number of sunny days was below average in December.
     
However, the temperatures were exceptionally high in the entire country.
      Relatively speaking, the warmest December was experienced in the northern part of the province of Oulu as well as in Southern and Central Lapland.
      The amount of snow was also below average, which contributed to the sense of pervasive darkness.
      Snowless spots were found particularly in Southern and Central Finland.
     
The month ended on something of a wild note in the north, with northerly winds of up to 27 metres a second recorded in the Gulf of Bothnia on New Year's Eve.
      The northerly blast has since sent temperatures plunging in the south of the country, with the mercury falling well below -10°C, even in Helsinki.


Links:
  Finnish Meteorological Institute

Helsingin Sanomat