Firefighters dealt with about 20 blazes on Sunday alone, as dry conditions and strong winds heighten risks of forest and brush fires getting out of control.

The blaze destroyed large swathes of forest this week.

The oval ice formations created by wave action were piled up on a Hailuoto beach.

Unusually mild weather and foggy mornings have caused many migratory birds to delay their departure south, according to Birdlife Finland.

Ice cover over Finlands sea areas is very low. Experts warn that the ice is now very thin over sea, and with spring slowly arriving, the situation is not likely to improve.

Ice cover over Finland's sea areas is very low. Experts warn that the ice is now very thin over the sea, and with spring slowly arriving, the situation is not likely to improve.

Meteorologist Niko Tollman of the Finnish Meteorology Institute confirms that counting up the number of stormy days this past month made January one of the windiest first months of the year over sea areas since 1994.

The first ticks have been observed in the northwest region of Oulu, meaning they are assuredly on the loose already further south. Entomologist Reima Leinonen recommends that people who have been enjoying the outdoors take a shower at the end of the day to help check for ticks.