February and the whole winter were mild and marked by high precipitation

Precipitation levels in February are on average about 30 mm, but the levels recorded in February just gone were twice the usual, in some areas even three times the usual. Precipitation levels of as high as 131.6 mm, which is the new record for February in Finland, were recorded in Kouvola Anjala. Very high levels of precipitation in large areas were previously experienced in February for example in 1995, 1998 and 2002.

Due to the unsettled weather type and the high levels of precipitation, fewer than average sunshine hours were recorded in large areas in February. For example, only 15.9 hours of sunshine were recorded in Jyväskylä instead of the normal 73 hours.

The high levels of precipitation increased snow cover considerably in Lapland. Particularly in Central Lapland, snow depth was about one metre at the end of February, which is unusually deep considering the time.

Unusually mild like last year

February was unusually mild in many areas. The average temperature in February was -0.5°C...-2°C in the southern part, -2°C...-3°C in the central part and -4°C...-7°C in the northern part of the country. The observed temperatures were about 5°C higher than usual in many areas, in the east even 6-7°C higher than usual. The month's highest temperature, +5.3°C, was recorded in Pori on 8 February and also in Salo on 10 February. The month's lowest temperature, -33.9°C, was recorded in Utsjoki on 28 February.

Despite the cold January, winter was mild and marked by high precipitation

The winter (December–February) was also on average milder than normal and precipitation levels were unusually high in many areas; even record-breaking levels were observed in central parts of the country. The total amount of precipitation in December–February was almost twice the usual in the area.

However, unlike in December and February, the weather was temporarily very cold and dry in January.

Further information:

For additional information on February's weather statistics, please also visit www.ilmastokatsaus.fi

Statistics for February: http://ilmatieteenlaitos.fi/helmikuuStatistics for the whole winter: http://ilmatieteenlaitos.fi/talvitilastot

Weather statistics from the Climate Service tel. 0600 1 0601 (€4,01/min + local charges) Weather forecasts from the meteorologist on duty 24 h/day tel. 0600 1 0600 (€4.01/min + local charges)