Finland is set to bask in May Day sunshine this year, as a high pressure front will bring warm temperatures to many parts of the country on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Southern and central areas can expect temperatures to reach 10-15 degrees Celsius on May Day Eve as well as on May Day itself, while slightly cooler readings are forecast for the east and north.
However, the mercury is expected to climb above 20 degrees in the southwest on Wednesday, which would make this year the warmest May Day so far this decade.
Many people in Finland eagerly follow the weather forecasts in the run-up to 1 May, as the day is traditionally spent at picnics and other outdoor-based events.
The weather does not always cooperate, however, and it is not uncommon to see picnics spoiled by sleet or even snow showers.
Yle meteorologist Aleksi Lohtander noted that this week will get off to a slow start, with heavy rains forecast for Monday and Tuesday, especially in the east of the country as well as across Finnish Lapland.
"Tuesday morning will be cloudy towards evening. It will be sunny in the south and west on May Day Eve with temperatures in the mid-afternoon around 15 degrees," Lohtander said.
Eastern Lapland and North Karelia, on the other hand, may see light rain in the afternoon.
On May Day Eve and May Day, the skies will be sporadically cloudy across the country but most areas will have some sunshine peeking through the cloud cover.
Temperatures in the southwest will be in the high 20s, in the south over 15 degrees and in the low teens in central Lapland.
According to Lohtander, the spring weather will continue for the rest of the week, which will be relatively clear. It will cool down a bit towards the weekend, with some rain here and there, but no dramatic change is in sight.
Users with an Yle ID can leave comments on our news stories. You can create your Yle ID via this link. Our guidelines on commenting and moderation are explained here.