Temperatures fell to -29.5°C in Vuotso, Sodankylä, the coldest reading so far this winter in Finland. Other Lapland sites also saw severe cold, and November is running much colder than normal.

On August 2, 2025 multiple wildfires broke out in Lapland’s Ranua and Posio areas, with additional fires reported in Tervola, Sodankylä, Rovaniemi and Kolar. The largest wildfire, spanning 500 × 500 m, burned near Alavaarantie in Ranua by late afternoon.

Recent heat waves have warmed Lapland’s rivers and lakes, leading Metsähallitus to suspend fishing permits and advise against salmonid fishing in the warm waters.

Lapland’s rescue services and volunteer fire brigades have responded to dozens of wildfires and smoke reports since Tuesday amid very dry terrain and lightning strikes igniting new fires, though current resources have been sufficient.

Lake and river surface waters in Lapland have warmed rapidly due to recent heatwaves, reaching up to 5°C above average and attracting more beach visitors than usual.

Grass and forest fires are proving difficult to contain in Finnish Lapland, and now several fires on the Russian side of the border are moving into Finland.

Finland's ski centres are coping with shorter, milder winters by making and storing snow – costly short-term solutions that may worsen the problem in the longer term.