Finland Swelters After Cold Snap as Heatwave Looms for Early August

Finland has seen unusually cool temperatures this week, with some regions recording midday highs as low as 12 degrees in Parikkala, South Karelia, and below 14 degrees at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. Eastern Finland is currently up to 10 degrees colder than typical for July, with temperatures in North Karelia, Kainuu, and Lapland’s arm remaining below 12 degrees Yle reports. The chilly conditions have prompted complaints on social media, with many Finns describing the weather as a "cold summer." However, meteorologists confirm that the season has, in fact, been warmer than average. Foreca meteorologist Anna Latvala notes that daytime temperatures earlier this week have been nearly 10 degrees Celsius cooler than usual, with Helsinki recording highs under 15 degrees and Kouvola just over 13 degrees—far below the seasonal average of 22 degrees (Ilta-Sanomat).