A severe cold snap is set to impact Finland over the weekend, with weather forecasts indicating temperatures dropping as low as -30 degrees Celsius in parts of the country. According to Foreca meteorologist Anna Latvala, while Sweden is bracing for especially extreme conditions with temperatures plunging to -40 degrees, Finland will face its own chill with widespread frost expected across the nation. On the night between Friday and Saturday, temperatures are projected to generally rest between -20 to -30 degrees, with isolated areas in northern Finland potentially seeing lows of -33 to -35.

While Saturday morning will start off cold, the situation will improve as the day progresses. The sun is expected to shine brightly, leading to a gradual rise in temperatures throughout the day. During daylight hours, temperatures are anticipated to stabilize at around -10 to -15 degrees Celsius in southern Finland, -14 to -20 degrees in eastern regions, -10 to -20 in central and northern areas, and even lower -20 to -25 degrees in Lapland. However, as night falls, temperatures will drop again in clear regions, particularly in the southern and eastern parts of the country, where they could plummet back down to -20 to -30 degrees Celsius.

This drastic fluctuation in temperatures is characteristic of the Finnish winter, where the considerable differences between day and night temperatures can impact both daily life and activities. Residents are urged to prepare for the extreme cold, as it necessitates adjustments in how individuals dress and travel, especially in areas facing the brunt of the cold snap. The cold weather is not just a matter of discomfort; prolonged exposure can pose serious health risks, highlighting the importance of winter safety preparations for the population.