Midsummer weather contains something for everybody

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According to the forecasters, this year's Midsummer weather will contain something for everybody. Varied weather will offer sunshine, clouds, rain, and even the possibility of thunderstorms. However, the sun will shine all over the country at least on one day.
      "It is probably a smart move to carry an umbrella, while there is no reason for gloom", says meteorologist Lea Saukkonen of the Finnish Meteorological Institute.
      Southern Finland will enjoy summery weather from Friday onwards. On Midsummer Day (Saturday), sunny spells are expected to take turns with scattered showers. However, Sunday is predicted to be largely cloudless, even though a few local showers might occur here and there.
      The geographically-elongated country will be divided into two parts with various weather conditions in each. Owing to a high-presure area that has lasted for several days now, Finland has been enjoying nice summer-like weather for the past few days.
      However, an Atlantic low pressure system is approaching Finland along the Norwegian coast, and the belt of rain is expected to reach Northern Finland by Midsummer Eve.
     
With luck, the entire Southern Finland - south from Lake Päijänne - will avoid the rain and enjoy sunny, even hot weather over the Midsummer weekend. On the other hand, the regions north of Lake Päijänne may see plenty of rain, according to the meteorologist.
     
The temperatures on Midsummer Eve will be around 17°C in Lapland, and 20° to 25°C in the cities of Oulu and Kuopio, and in the regions south from there. Temperatures in the archipelago as well as in coastal areas are expected to be slightly cooler.
      On Midsummer Day, more showers will be experienced in the country. While the northern low pressure system will be moving even further north, a new low pressure system will approach Finland from Sweden, sweeping over the southern coastal area toward the east.
      The only completely dry area on Midsummer Day is forecast to be the region between the cities of Lahti and Oulu. Cold air is expected to come from the Arctic Ocean to the northernmost part of Finland. Temperatures in Lapland will be below 15°C, and in Southern Finland around 20°C.
     
On Sunday the weather is predicted to be even chillier. While it will be dry in Lapland, Southern and Central Finland can probably expect rainy weather. On Sunday the temperatures will be below 20°C even in Southern Finland, 15° to 18°C in Central Finland, and just about 13°C in Northern Finland.
      "Typically, Midsummer weather can vary a lot in Finland", says meteorologist Lea Saukkonen with masterly understatement.
      The sight of the Midnight Sun can be enjoyed at the Arctic Circle and farther north only every third year on averge.


Links:
  Finnish Meteorological Institute
  Finnish Road Administration

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