How cold is Finland? Can we say that this country is the coldest place in the world? Finland is known as a country with icy temperatures. However, to be stated as the coldest is not right. Countries like Russia, Canada, and Mongolia often experience more extreme cold. This week, for instance, Helsinki, the capital of Finland, has daytime temperatures around 21°C (70°F) and nighttime temperatures around 12°C (54°F), reflecting the typical summer climate
Nonetheless, knowing the daily temperature is real-time information that we can still dig and explore deeper into. That is, we will explore the cold temperatures in Finland.
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How Cold is Finland: The Seasons
Although Finland doesn’t hold the title for the coldest country, it ranks among the colder countries globally. The country’s seasons are marked by significant temperature variations throughout the year.
Seasonal Temperature Variations in Finland
Finland experiences four distinct seasons:
- Winter: Lasts from December to February in the southern parts and from November to April in Lapland. Temperatures can drop well below 0°C, with northern regions experiencing temperatures as low as -30°C or lower.
- Spring: Runs from March to May, with temperatures gradually warming up from 0°C to around 10°C.
- Summer: Lasts from June to August, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, although heatwaves can push temperatures higher.
- Autumn: Spans September to November, with temperatures cooling down from 10°C to below 0°C.
Furthermore, it has inland and coastal climates differences, making the climate unpredictable. The beginning of the year is the peak of the freezing time, meanwhile, the hottest is in the middle of the year. Remember, this is not a fixed time because it changes rapidly. The weather forecaster might be the hardest job in this country.
How Cold is Finland: Is the Temperature So Serious?
Not the number one rank for the coldest country makes some people wonder about the level of importance of the low temperature. There is a phenomenon in this country called SAD which stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder.
In winter, the darkness dominates the area. The sunlight is very minimal, it’s dark everywhere. Some people experience decreased mental health. Facing long darkness is hard for some people. Moreover, the cold air is also not comfortable. Finland’s top area is in the Arctic Circle, no wonder the sun exposure is sometimes not constant.
Two phenomena that happen in this country are polar night (when it is completely dark with no sunlight at all) and midnight sun (when it is completely bright with sunlight all day long). Those affect mood and later the physical health of the entire body. It could start from a simple thing like losing appetite, then become an ulcer. Later, it becomes a dangerous disease. So, yes, it is a serious problem that requires a solemn solution.
Coping with Finland’s Cold: Solutions
Historically, humans have always sought ways to adapt to extreme temperatures. In Finland, district heating systems are commonly used to combat the cold. These systems utilize various fuels, including oil, peat, natural gas, coal, biomass, and wood. The choice of fuel depends on availability, cost, and environmental impact.
In addition to district heating, underfloor heating systems are also widely used in Finland. Underfloor heating provides a comfortable and energy-efficient way to keep homes warm, particularly during the long, harsh winters.Despite the challenges posed by cold temperatures, Finland’s effective heating systems, including both district and underfloor heating, ensure that its residents can live comfortably year-round.