Snow is transforming many parts of Finland--including southern areas--into a winter wonderland on Thursday. The arrival of the white stuff is causing slippery roads nationwide, though meteorologists are particularly urging motorists in Uusimaa to drive carefully as flurries reduce visibility.
"Many parts of the country will see up to 20 centimeters of snow. Driving conditions will deteriorate by the afternoon," said Yle meteorologist Matti Huutonen.
By Friday morning snow showers will taper off as forecasters expect temperatures to plunge below freezing nationwide.
"The cloud cover will break up in the east and north. As skies clear, temperatures will drop to subzero territory throughout Finland," Huutonen explained.
Meteorologists expect temperatures to continue dropping over the weekend, with the mercury in Lapland staying between -15 and -25 degrees Celsius and ranging from -5 to -15 in southern parts of the country.
Sunday will see new snow showers while more subzero weather is in store early next week.
"Now we’re experiencing what we’d call an 'old-fashioned' winter, with temperatures actually some five degrees below average for this time of year in southern and central areas," Huutonen said.
He said he doesn’t expect milder weather to return anytime soon.
Other areas of the continent are also set for a big freeze this weekend, with parts of Spain projected to get more than ten centimetres of snow.