Helsinki's July Chill: Locals Brave Cold for Swims and Saunas
Translated from Finnish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Helsinki experienced unusually cold weather for July, with temperatures around 10 degrees Celsius.
- Despite the chill, locals and visitors enjoyed outdoor activities like running and swimming, followed by sauna.
- The cool weather was seen as pleasant for activities like visiting the zoo, contrasting with heatwaves elsewhere.
Helsinki residents and visitors braved unseasonably cold July weather, with temperatures hovering around 10 degrees Celsius. The chill, described by some as "autumn-like," did not deter hardy individuals from enjoying outdoor pursuits.
Friends Jaakko Keso, Adam Bruell, and Miikka Uosukainen started their day with a run, despite the rain and cold. Bruell, visiting from Britain, found the weather "good for running." Keso, initially hesitant, joined his friends, exclaiming, "Damn it, if you go, I go too."
After their run, the group headed to Sompasauna for a swim in the sea, which was a surprisingly pleasant 19 degrees Celsius, warmer than the air temperature. They then planned to relax in the sauna. Bruell praised the communal, free sauna, noting its uniqueness compared to anything in Britain.
Others also embraced the cool conditions. Adele Blondelle, visiting from France, which is experiencing a heatwave, found Helsinki's weather "pleasant." She had also started her day with a swim and sauna. Meanwhile, Venla Toivonen, feeling the cold during her morning run, looked forward to a trip to Crete for warmer temperatures.
The cooler weather also made it an ideal day for families to visit attractions like the Helsinki Zoo. The Kihlakaski family, for instance, found the lack of heat perfect for their visit, with their daughter Iines eager to see the tigers. Jenni Hohorst also noted that the cooler temperatures were more agreeable for dogs.
Onneksi ensi viikolla on lรคhtรถ Kreetalle, jossa on lรคhempรคnรค 30 astetta
Originally published by Helsingin Sanomat in Finnish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.