In July, normal heat prevailed in the western part of Finland, but it was higher in the east and north of the country compared to the long-term averages, the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) reports.

The average monthly temperature ranged from approximately +18 °C in the southern and south-eastern parts of the country to around +13 °C in Lapland. The average temperature differed particularly from the long-term average in Utsjoki, Lapland, where in the 1991-2020 period it was about two degrees higher than the average.

In July, the mercury rose to or above +25 °C for a total of 16 days, which is a typical figure for the warmest month of the year in Finland.

The highest temperature of the month – +32.3 °C – was recorded on 1 July in Pellonpää, Oulu. The lowest temperature – +2.2 °C – was recorded on 9 July in Naruska, Salla. According to digitised statistics dating back to 1959, this month's lowest temperature has been the highest on record, FMI emphasised.

Precipitation levels were higher than usual in the southern part of Finland and Northern Ostrobothnia, but lower than usual in central Finland and Northern Lapland. In the municipality of Inari in eastern Lapland, the highest monthly precipitation was recorded – more than 210 mm, which is a new record in the 46-year history of the meteorological station.

In Lumparland, a municipality in the Åland Islands, the lowest monthly precipitation was recorded – less than 15 millimetres.

The heaviest daily downpours were observed in Salkola, Somero, where almost 60 mm of rain fell on 13 July. Daily precipitation is measured over a 24-hour period starting from 9:00 a.m.

13 July was also the day with the highest number of lightning strikes – 9,633. Approximately 50,000 lightning strikes during the month is 10,000 fewer than the long-term average for July.

July was also not as sunny as usual, FMI points out. Especially in Lapland, the amount of sunlight was 25-35 hours less than the long-term average.