Climate and outdoor activities

Finland’s climate is the result of several factors. Finland is located in Northern latitudes, at the corner of a vast continent. Proximity to sea effects the climate as well. Quick changes in weather are typical in Finland, especially in winter.

 

Finland has four seasons  (Kotisuomessa.fi) that are clearly different from each other: winter, spring, summer and autumn.

Winter:  (Source: Kotisuomessa.fi)

Winter lasts from the beginning of December to the end of February. Freezing, below zero –temperatures are common. Temperature is not as cold as in the same latitudes in Russia, Canada or Greenland. This is because of Gulf-stream in the Atlantic ocean, which makes water surrounding southern and western Finland warmer, effecting the climate in the whole area.

Usually February is the coldest month. The coldest time might be even -30. Temperature varies a lot between southern and northern Finland. It may be warm at the southern coast while it is still freezing in Lapland. Snow covers most parts of Lapland for over 6 months. At southern coast and archipelago there might not be any snow during the winter.

Spring: (Source: Kotisuomessa.fi)

Spring lasts from March to the end of May. Temperatures vary a lot during the spring. It gets lighter every day as days get longer. In April sun is up for more than 12 hours already. Snow melts as temperatures stay mostly over zero. Nature gets greener with new leaves and grass. Migrating birds return to Finland during spring.

Summer: (Source: Kotisuomessa.fi)

Summer lasts from beginning of June to the end of August. Summer days are long and there is lot of light. Sun doesn’t set at all in Northern Finland and only for a couple of hours in Southern Finland. temperatures are still variable, it can be even +30, but it might be much colder. It doesn’t rain as much as during other seasons. Usually warmest time is in July.

 

Autumn: (Kotisuomessa.fi)

Autumn lasts from beginng of September to the end of November. Days get shorter and darker. In northern Finland there is only a couple of hours of day light. There are not many sunny days in the south either. Temperatures can fall below zero in October and it usually starts snowing in December at the latest.

Nature prepares for cold winter, when it is difficult to find food. The trees drop their leaves in autumn for winter, and migration birds leave. Many animals start their hibration or torpor.

 

Out door activities and climate:

Out door activities are important part of daily living. Make sure your clothes are appropriate for the weather and you can be outside in any weather conditions like Finnish people. Take care that children have appropriate outfit for the weather as well.

Protecting yourself from the cold:

Cold weather effects the body in many ways. You might get frost nibs or frost bites if your skin gets too cold. In extreme conditions body temperature can go dangerously low.

Skin flushes in cold air, which is normal. Reddened skin might start tickling which is normal as well. Skin returns to normal when it gets warmer and circulation returns on normal level.

 

How to treat frostbites:

If the area of the skin that is exposed to the cold gets pale and you cannot feel it anymore, you are getting a frostbite. You should cover the damaged area with something warm like hands and clothes and return inside.

You can warm the skin using lukewarm water. Be careful with the water, too hot water burns the skin. You might not feel the water is too hot since the frostbitten area is numb.

If skin colour and feeling does not return to normal in a couple of hours, contact a nurse or the hospital.

 

Protecting yourself from the sun:

Sun can be burning hot in summer, so you must protect your skin and eyes from the sun and radiation even in Finland. Eyes need to be protected in winter too, when sun reflects from white and bright snow. It is good to use sun glasses to protect the eye from the sun. Children should were hats to protect them from the sun.

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