Lapland is set to see its first extensive autumnal snowfall, as a zone of precipitation moved into the area on Friday, according to the Finnish Meteorological Institute, FMI.
Snowfall is expected to be particularly heavy across a region stretching from the northwest to eastern Lapland. Down south however, precipitation is likely in the form of rain as daytime temperatures in southern and central Finland climb close to 10 degrees Celsius. Highs up north are expected to hover on either side of freezing.
Meanwhile weather service Foreca said that up to 30 centimetres of snow could fall in a zone reaching from the far northwest to central Lapland between Saturday and Monday. It added that occasional blustery snow flurries will also be thrown into the mix.
Sunday is expected to bring snow and sleet to parts of central Finland as daytime highs in central and southern areas cool to between one and five degrees Celsius. More frigid temperatures on Sunday night could see snowfall extend into the south, especially the southwest.
Foreca said the forecast for snow and rain will likely make for poor driving conditions during out- and inbound autumn vacation traffic over the next few days.
Schools in some parts of Finland enjoyed their annual autumn vacation last week, while others will celebrate the mid-term break next week.