Finland Sees Record-Breaking Warmth in 2024: Hottest Summer Ever and Alarming Snowfall Decline Threaten Winter Tourism

In recent months, several weather stations across Finland have reported alarming statistics, with many recording their highest annual temperature averages on record. This trend has brought significant attention to climate change and its impact on the environment.

Throughout 2024, all months except for January and April experienced warmer-than-normal temperatures. This warming trend escalated during the summer, with Finnish Lapland experiencing its hottest summer on record. July temperatures in northern Finland soared to between 15.5 and 18 degrees Celsius, which is between 2 and 3.4 degrees above the average for that month. Remarkably, this heat resulted in 20 days classified as “hot days” in July, where temperatures exceeded 25 degrees Celsius. Such extreme weather patterns underscore the pressing reality of climate change affecting Finland and the surrounding regions.

As autumn arrived, the warming continued, marking the fourth warmest autumn on record in Finland. The southern and eastern areas, in particular, experienced an unusually mild season. Some observation stations reported their highest autumn temperatures in nearly 90 years, a clear indication that climate patterns are shifting. While the warmer temperatures were notable, precipitation levels told another story. During the autumn months, western Finland and Northern Lapland saw above-average rainfall, which contributed to varying impacts on the environment and local communities.

Unusually Little Snowfall in Lapland

By December, the situation took a concerning turn, as snowfall in Southern and Central Lapland fell drastically below average. Many regions reported less than 10 centimeters of snow, with Kemijärvi Airport recording a meager five centimeters on December 17. Such low snow levels are a rare occurrence, happening only once every 30 years. This lack of snowfall has created significant challenges for the tourism and winter sports industries, particularly for ski resorts that heavily rely on natural snow to function effectively.

The insufficient snowfall can be attributed to the mild temperatures and below-average precipitation recorded in November and December. Although high-pressure systems brought cold and dry weather, the limited snow accumulation highlights the ongoing climate changes taking place in Finland. Interestingly, Northern Lapland managed to maintain near-normal snow levels, offering a glimmer of hope for winter activities in that region. However, the overall trend is concerning for those who depend on winter tourism.

Increasing Wildfire Risks

The extreme heat experienced during the summer of 2024 also raised concerns about wildfire risks in Lapland. The Inari region reported a staggering 17 wildfires over the summer months, surpassing the seasonal average of just 10. Climate experts warn that rising temperatures and drier conditions will likely lead to an increase in both the frequency and intensity of wildfires in the years to come, largely driven by climate change.

FMI researcher Outi Kinnunen emphasizes that the warming climate is causing snow cover to diminish earlier in the year, which in turn extends fire seasons and makes land surfaces more susceptible to igniting. This connection between climate change and environmental hazards is becoming increasingly evident, posing risks to both natural ecosystems and human activities.

Looking at the global picture, 2024 is poised to become the warmest year ever recorded, capping a decade marked by rising temperatures primarily attributed to human-induced climate change. Finland is warming at a rate faster than many other regions around the world, illustrating how climate variability interacts with overarching trends. The FMI has reported that Lapland is experiencing these changes at an accelerated pace compared to the rest of Finland. This shifting climate not only disrupts local ecosystems but also has far-reaching effects on tourism, agriculture, and the overall well-being of residents.

With more than half of the winter season still ahead, weather forecasts suggest that low-pressure systems could bring additional snow by Christmas. However, experts emphasize the urgent need for emissions reductions and sustainable land management practices to address the looming challenges posed by climate change in Finland. The time for action is now, as we face the consequences of a rapidly changing climate.

In summary, as Finland grapples with unprecedented weather patterns, the impact on ecosystems, the economy, and local communities cannot be overstated. Awareness and proactive measures are essential to ensure a sustainable future for both the environment and the people who depend on it.