Estonia's summer forecast: A deluge of rain fulfilling spring's deficit

Estonia is currently experiencing a deluge of rain, with downpours fulfilling the precipitation deficit from the spring. The weather is characterized by a variety of rain types, from fine mist to torrential sheets, creating puddles that delight children. The persistent rain is so varied that it has prompted a rich vocabulary to describe it.

Estonian language boasts a remarkable number of terms for different kinds of rain, rivaling the Inuit's extensive vocabulary for snow. This linguistic richness underscores the significant role that weather, particularly rain, plays in the lives and culture of Estonians. The current weather pattern, with its continuous rainfall, is a direct consequence of the dry spring, leading to a surplus of moisture now.

The description of the rain includes terms like "peenike uduvihm" (fine mist), "seenevihm" (mushroom rain, often light and persistent), "valge vihm" (white rain, possibly referring to heavy, obscuring rain), "sein" (wall, implying a solid sheet of rain), "vikerkaarevihm" (rainbow rain), "vana vihm" (old rain, perhaps referring to lingering rain), and "mullivihm" (bubble rain). This extensive lexicon reflects a deep connection to and observation of the natural world.

The ongoing rainfall is expected to continue throughout the summer, according to the "LOODUSKALENDER" (Nature Calendar). This forecast suggests that the current wet conditions are not a fleeting event but a defining characteristic of the upcoming season, impacting daily life and the landscape.