Rare ice situation in Finland
Finland is experiencing an unusual amount of ice in the Gulf of Finland, the highest in ten years, due to prolonged freezing temperatures.
The Gulf of Finland is currently witnessing an unprecedented ice cover not seen in the last decade, as confirmed by the Finnish Meteorological Institute. This situation arises from a series of extended cold temperatures that have allowed ice to form similarly to patterns observed in the 20th century. According to Patrick Eriksson, an ice expert at the Institute, current ice conditions are significantly denser than the norms of recent years, signaling a return to what was once typical in Finland's maritime environment. Moreover, the presence of significant ice near Hanko is highlighted as an unusual occurrence compared to the past decade, with the ice edge currently extending from Hanko to Tallinn. In specific regions, such as the eastern part of the Gulf, the ice thickness has reached 40 centimeters, while areas around Hanko and Helsinki report thicknesses of about 20-30 centimeters. Experts predict that if the cold weather persists, the Gulf of Finland could freeze completely within a week or two, further illustrating the severity of this year's winter conditions. It is important to note that while the situation is notable, it has not yet reached record levels; for example, the ice conditions in the eastern Gulf during 2003 were still unmatched. This report indicates a shift in seasonal weather patterns, which can have broader implications for marine activities and the environment in Finland.