Finland: Heatwave forecast to impact parts of southern region through at least June 30

Forecast models indicate that a heatwave will persist across portions of southern Finland through at least June 30. As of early June 27, the Finnish Meteorological Institute has issued the following warnings:

• Orange (middle level on a three-tier scale) heatwave warnings: Kymenlaakso, Paijat-Hame, South Karelia, South Savo, and Uusimaa regions June 27 and Kanta-Hame, Kymenlaakso, Paijat-Hame, Pirkanmaa, Satakunta, South Karelia, South Savo, Southwest Finland, and Uusimaa regions June 28-29.

• Yellow heatwave and wildfire warnings: Across the rest of the affected area through June 30.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories, as weather conditions change over the coming days. The extended period of very high temperatures and dry conditions may magnify the potential for wildfires throughout the region.

Heatwaves pose a health threat to vulnerable groups - such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with respiratory illnesses - due to the increased possibility of heat stroke or heat exhaustion during prolonged exposure to high temperatures. These risks could also extend to relatively healthy individuals during significant heatwave events. In addition to impacting athletes and those who work outdoors significantly, high temperatures can cause problems for people using mass transit. The lack of air conditioning and cramped vehicles during rush hour may lead to some passengers being hospitalized for dehydration.

Very high temperatures could warp rail tracks and force passenger and freight trains to operate at reduced speeds. Overheated vehicles could prompt traffic disruptions in urban areas where congestion is already a problem. Commercial trucking disruptions might occur, as very high temperatures put more stress on engines and make tire blowouts more common. Major flight disruptions are unlikely at regional airports, but general aviation disruptions are possible, and some airfreight carriers could reduce cargo loads. High temperatures could lead to an increased demand for electricity, which might trigger localized brownouts or blackouts, exacerbating hazardous conditions when air conditioning is no longer possible.