Ice breakup on the Torne River near Övertorneå occurred unusually early, with the Lions Club competition raft crossing the border bridge on 23 April—earlier than ever recorded for the event (running since 1959). Ice breakup is typically observed in early May.
A cold snap persisted in Norrbotten, Sweden, with overnight temperatures in Tornedalen and the Malmfälten region dropping to near −40°C. Pajala recorded −38.4°C, with several nearby locations also below −38°C.
A wolf-like animal was filmed near Jarhois in Pajala, and a reindeer was found killed the next day in nearby Kardis, prompting local hunters to keep their dogs at home during moose hunting. The sightings have raised concern in the community close to the Övertorneå border.
A Eurasian hoopoe, rare in Finland, has been visiting a yard in Pello, Lapland, for a week, likely carried north by southerly airflows.
The annual Tornedalsloppet cross-country ski race in Tornedalen, Sweden, was cancelled for the second year in a row because there is not enough snow along the full course, with warm weather being the main problem.
The Torne River on the border between Sweden and Finland has swelled to almost five metres above its usual level in certain parts, due to melting snow ...
Observations From Members 
