Meteorological Institute warns of severe thunderstorms in the afternoon

Finland is set to experience significant weather disturbances this Saturday, with heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms expected to sweep across the country. The Finnish Meteorological Institute has issued warnings, particularly for western Finland, where intense downpours and electrical storms are anticipated.

Meteorologist Tuukka Keränen from the institute noted that the humid atmosphere could fuel powerful rain and thunderstorm cells. "The air is so humid that rain and thunderstorm showers can be quite intense and may cause localized urban flooding in places," Keränen stated. This has led to a severe thunderstorm warning being issued for Satakunta, Pirkanmaa, Central Finland, Ostrobothnia, and South Ostrobothnia from the afternoon onwards.

The heavy precipitation poses a risk to major outdoor events, including the Pori Jazz festival in Pori and Tammerfest in Tampere. The thunderstorms may bring strong gusts and rainfall exceeding 20 millimeters per hour. Keränen cautioned that underpasses could flood and water might enter buildings if the heaviest showers hit populated areas.

“

The air is so humid that rain and thunderstorm showers can be quite intense and may cause localized urban flooding in places.

Wind speeds are also expected to increase. While not predicted to reach storm levels over land, gusts could reach 15 meters per second in mainland areas. Coastal regions might experience gusts up to storm force, between 20 and 21 meters per second.

As the rain system moves eastward towards Kainuu during the evening and night, accumulated rainfall could reach over 50 millimeters in 24 hours in some areas. Lighter rain is expected along the southern coast and in eastern Finland. The weather is forecast to clear in western Finland by Sunday morning, but rain may continue in central areas and Kainuu until Sunday evening.

“

It's possible that underpasses will flood and water will enter buildings if the showers hit urban areas.