Wet and chilly summer weather was unpredictable

Climate affected many people's livelihoods and holiday plans

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This summer’s weather was less than inspiring. It was also exceptionally variable and changeable, and according to the Finnish Meteorological Institute, it was particularly difficult to make weather forecasts, with plenty of low pressure areas creating further challenges for meteorologists.
      In Southwestern Finland, in the archipelago, and in the Turku region, the early summer was dry, as the cold sea water held back showers.
      The sea was unusually windy and rough, while the results from sea level measurements were rather normal. Moreover, the absence of warm weather conditions discouraged the growth of algae in Finnish coastal waters.
     
This summer’s rainfall in the zone stretching from Southeastern Finland to the province of Oulu was greater than average.
      For example in Mikkeli, the rainfall has exceeded the average by 75% since the beginning of June, while in some more northerly and easterly regions, including Northern Karelia, Kainuu, and Koillismaa, the rainfall was clearly below the seasonal average.
     
Generally speaking, July was drier than usual across the entire country, while June and August were rather damp.
      Temperatures in the northern parts of Central Finland and in Lapland were about one degree below the seasonal average, while in the archipelago the temperatures were warmer than usual.
      In many places the rainy and cold summer affected people’s life, livelihood, and holiday plans.
      According to Risto Korpela, the head of the Finnish Golf Union, the summer weather did not favour golfers.
      ”As an environment-friendly aspect it could be mentioned that no sprinkler systems to irrigate the golf course were needed over the entire summer”, added Korpela.
      Timo Piilonen, the Managing Director of SF-Caravan, admitted that the rainy summer had an effect on the plans of motor-home users. ”I heard that some caravanners tried to move towards good weather”, Piilonen added.
     
Professor Pirjo Mäkelä from the University of Helsinki reported that this summer was not very good for farmers, either.
      ”Particularly in Southern Finland the early summer was really dry, and growth was uneven and scanty”, noted Mäkelä.
      Professor Pirjo Peltonen-Sainio from the MTT Agrifood Research Finland hopes that the rains would finally abate and allow an uninterrupted harvest in as dry conditions as possible.
      ”From the farmers’ point of view, this summer has turned out to be completely topsy-turvy. Normally, a well-watered spring and a dry harvesting season would be what farmers hope for”, reported Peltonen-Sainio.
      Hannu Salo, the Managing Director of the Finnish Association of Fruit and Berry Growers, said that as a result of the chilly weather, the strawberry season was delayed, reducing sales.
      ”Heavy rains damaged the raspberry crop, and the frosts killed nearly 30% of the currant blossoms, thus leaving fewer currants to mature for picking”, reported Salo.
      However, the apple crop is expected to be average.
     
According to researcher Antti Pouttu from the Finnish Forest Research Institute, moisture is good for the forest stands.
      ”On the other hand, it has been too wet in some places, and the roots of trees have suffered”, Pouttu observed.
      This summer has not been good for tourism and terrace restaurants in particular, while the sales of beer have gone down, reported Timo Lappi, representing the Finnish tourism and catering services.
      Considering the cold weather, sales of icecream have been quite good, said Ingman Ice Cream’s sales manager Teppo Kuuttiniemi.
      While the summer was too cold for sunbathing on the beach, visits to spa hotels and amusement parks grew in popularity.
      Besides, rubber boots sold like hot cakes.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Midsummer weather forecast promises rain across Finland (18.6.2008)
  Climate change brings mild and rainy winter weather - and it is here to stay (18.2.2008)

Links:
  Finnish Meteorological Institute
  MTT Agrifood Research Finland
  Finnish Forest Research Institute (Metla)

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