Finland enjoyed comfortably warm temperatures during the Ascension Day holiday. On Thursday, the year's warmest temperatures so far were recorded in Oulunsalo (25.2 degrees Celsius) and Kouvola (25.1 degrees).
Inna Haapa at the Finnish Meteorological Institute says that even warmer weather is in the forecast for Saturday. Most of the country should enjoy temperatures of above 20 degrees next week, as well.
However, sunbathing plans may be interrupted by thunderstorm fronts approaching from the directions of Russia and Estonia.
Meanwhile birch trees are flowering in southern Finland, with pollen spreading throughout the country, bringing symptoms to hay fever sufferers.
During parliamentary question time, opposition MPs criticised the government for its budget plan and handling of foreign policy.
Police do not suspect the September attack was racially motivated.
Many Finnish speed cameras were out of action for a long period due to a hardware issue — but road safety didn't noticeably suffer. This week's APN explores Finns' relationship with speed once they get behind the wheel.
