Frozen Chaos: Finland Battles Heavy Snowfall and Record-Breaking Cold Temperatures
Finland – A relentless snowstorm and bone-chilling cold have gripped Finland, creating hazardous travel conditions and widespread disruptions. As heavy snow blankets the south and west, temperatures in Lapland have plunged to record lows, leaving residents and tourists struggling to cope with the extreme winter weather.
The Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) reported that a fast-moving snowstorm struck western Finland on Sunday evening, sweeping eastward overnight. By Monday morning, southern and central regions were buried under up to 12 centimeters of snow, with more snowfall expected in the east throughout the day.
Meteorologist Hannu Valta from FMI warned of deteriorating conditions due to strong winds and fluctuating temperatures, creating a dangerous blizzard effect. “The snow will be heavy at times, making driving conditions extremely poor,” Valta said. Authorities issued warnings for treacherous roads across much of southern and central Finland.
Travel Chaos and Road Hazards
The storm caused numerous accidents as icy roads turned deadly. In Pirkanmaa and Central Finland, vehicles skidded off highways, prompting urgent warnings from traffic officials. Pertti Törni, a traffic operator at Traficom, urged caution: “If you must drive, do so cautiously. It's safer to stay off the roads.”
In Helsinki, public transport faced delays and cancellations over the weekend. The Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (HSL) reported bus services being disrupted, though spokesperson Saana Lehtinen assured residents that “services are running as planned overall.”
Power Outages and Infrastructure Strain
Heavy, wet snow also wreaked havoc on power infrastructure, particularly in Pirkanmaa and Häme. Electricity provider Elenia warned of potential power outages as snow-laden trees threatened power lines. Crews are working to restore power, but repairs may take longer due to difficult terrain and limited daylight.
Lapland: Record-Breaking Cold
While southern Finland struggles with snow, the northern region of Lapland faces a deep freeze. On Sunday, Savukoski recorded a staggering -35.6°C, the coldest temperature this winter, breaking the previous record of -34.4°C set just a day earlier. Forecasters predict temperatures in Lapland will remain between -20°C and -30°C in the coming days.
For tourists in the north, the extreme cold has been an unwelcome surprise. Andrei Cristian, a visitor from Romania at Rovaniemi Airport, reconsidered venturing outside: “I thought about having a cigarette, but not anymore,” he joked, despite wearing thermal layers.
What’s Next: A Brief Thaw Before More Snow?
As the week progresses, southern Finland may experience a brief reprieve, with temperatures expected to rise to around 5°C by Thursday. However, meteorologists warn that this warming trend may not be enough to melt the recent snowfall completely. FMI's Hannu Valta remains cautious, predicting “a white Christmas in most of Finland.”
Despite the temporary thaw, colder temperatures are expected to return by the weekend, bringing further uncertainty to the forecast. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant, whether driving on icy roads or navigating snow-covered sidewalks.
As Finland battles its harshest winter weather yet, the nation remains on high alert, bracing for continued disruptions in the days to come.
Chief forecaster and ideologist of the weather forecast service Pogodnik. Co-author of scientific articles and specialized content for various online media.
