Traffic authorities are warning motorists of poor driving conditions brought on by rain and snow, particularly in Lapland, North Ostrobothnia and Kainuu.
A serious traffic accident occurred on Monday in Suomussalmi in Kainuu. Police said three people were seriously injured in a head-on collision that occurred when one of the vehicles attempted an overtaking manoeuvre.
Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) meteorologist Juha Jantunen said rain would turn into snow--especially up north--as Monday progressed.
"Lapland, particularly in the west, can see up to 10 centimeters of snow," he said.
Precipitation will mostly come down as rain in southern Finland though there is also a chance of snow in the south on Monday evening.
Traffic officials said they expected Easter return traffic to pick up around noon, with most vehicles heading down highways 3, 4 and 5.
Yle meteorologist Matti Huutonen added that Monday would be windy nationwide.
"There’s even a wind warning for land areas--from Pirkanmaa to central Finland as well as across an area stretching from North Ostrobothnia to Kainuu. Storm gusts may well sweep over these areas," Huutonen explained.
Waiting for spring
Huutonen said those eager for warm spring weather will still have to wait.
"Unstable conditions will continue. Tuesday and Wednesday will be rainy in Finland though the sun may peek out too. Southern parts should brace for slush," he explained.
More wet weather is in store at the end of the week.
"Forecasts indicate that a large area of rain is moving in over Finland on Friday, but nothing is certain yet. But one thing is sure, which is that we’ve yet to see the last of the spring snow," Huutonen said, adding that southern Finland can still expect overnight subzero temperatures.