Holiday traffic surges northward as residents of southern Finland travel home, while those from central Finland set off to begin their vacations.
Weather warnings are in effect across nearly all of Finland today, beginning in the early evening. In parts of Lapland, however, the alerts will take effect as early as mid-morning.
The Finnish Meteorological Institute explains that the warnings are due to milder conditions bringing a mix of snow and freezing rain, creating potentially hazardous situations.
Traffic is expected to be heavy this weekend as winter holidays come to an end in southern Finland, while in regions like central Finland and Pirkanmaa, the holiday season is just beginning.
Holiday traffic is expected to peak between late February and early March, with the heaviest day projected to be Saturday, February 22.
On this day, significant northbound congestion is anticipated on major routes, including roads 4, 5, and 9.
Southbound traffic will intensify on Sunday, February 23, particularly on roads 3, 4, 5, and 9.
Another major surge is forecast for the first weekend of March as overlapping holiday schedules drive increased travel. Key routes such as Oulu–Kemi–Rovaniemi (road 4) and Oulu–Kuusamo (road 20) are likely to experience the most congestion.
Travelers should also prepare for heavy traffic near northern tourist destinations, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
Winter Holiday Schedule: Finland
- Week 8 (Feb 17-21): Southern Finland
Regions: Uusimaa, Southwest Finland, Satakunta, and Åland
- Week 9 (Feb 24-28): Central Finland
Regions: Häme, Pirkanmaa, Ostrobothnia, Kymenlaakso, South Savo, and South Karelia
- Week 10 (Mar 3-7): Eastern and Northern Finland
Regions: Lapland, North Savo, North Karelia, and Kainuu
