According to Simo Laine, head horticulturalist at botanical garden in Turku, southwest Finland, it could well be the first time that the blooms have made an appearance in the country as early as January.

For example, Espoo's district of Nuuksio recorded 24.8 degrees celsius (77 F) on Tuesday. Many people across the country took advantage of the warm temperatures and headed outdoors with some opting to go swimming in lakes or pools.

A high of nearly 27 degrees Celsius in Ylivieska on the west coast was said to be unusual at this time of year.

A temperature of 27.7 degrees Celsius was recorded in the southern city of Kouvola.