Press release 3.2.2016

January was a cold month

The last time January reached temperatures lower than this year was in 2010; in Lapland 2003.
Kuva: Ahti Ovaskainen.

According to Finnish Meteorological Institute statistics, January was colder than average throughout Finland, with southern and central parts of the country even experiencing exceptionally low temperatures. The temperature deviation ranged primarily from four to seven degrees.

In terms of temperature, January was divided into two distinctly different periods: the first three weeks of the month were mostly very cold, but the end of the month saw a considerable increase in temperature. The lowest temperature for the month, -41.2°C, was recorded in Muonio on 7 January and the highest, 6.5°C, was recorded at Hammarland Märket on 30 January.

Short-lived skiing conditions in the south

In terms of precipitation, January saw normal levels, with no major deviations one way or another. The heaviest precipitation was recorded at the Merikarvia Tuorila observation station, which reported a precipitation level of 75.4 mm for January. The lowest precipitation levels were recorded in North Ostrobothnia and Kainuu. The lowest precipitation level was recorded at Vaala Pelso: 13.4 mm.

The heaviest snowfall of the month fell in a small area near Merikarvia on 8 January, with a record 73 cm of snow falling within a 24-hour period. With the exception of Koillismaa and Lapland, there was a below average snow coverage, with some areas of South-west Finland completely snow-free. The most snow was recorded in Central Lapland, where the average snow depth was approximately 70-80 cm.

Further information:For additional information on January's weather statistics, please also visit http://en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi/climateWeather statistics from the Climate Service tel. 0600 1 0601 (4.01 e/min + local charges)Weather forecasts from the on-duty meteorologist 24 h/day tel. 0600 1 0600 (4.01 e/min + local charges)