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Drought situation 22.6.2023

In the southern and central parts of the country, the soil is dry, and the groundwater levels are below average

The low precipitation early summer has dried the soil and caused a downturn in the groundwater levels throughout the country. The soil humidity situation is low, especially in Southwest Finland and Åland, and partly elsewhere in the southern and central parts of the country as well. The surfaces of small groundwater deposits continue their decline, which started at the turn of April and May. Now also in large and medium-sized groundwater bodies that react more slowly to changes in weather conditions, the surfaces have started declining, and in Southern and Southwest Finland, in places, they have dropped well below the average of the time period.

In the southern and central parts of the country, the water levels of small groundwater deposits are, in many places, below the average levels of the period, or even 30 cm below the normal June level. In the northern parts of the country, as well, the levels of small deposits have started to decline.

In the southern and northern parts of the country, the water levels of large and medium groundwater bodies are mainly close to the average levels of the time period. However, in Southern and Southwest Finland, the water levels of large bodies are also over 10 cm lower than usual. In Central Finland, the water levels are mainly close to the average levels of the time period or approximately 10 cm above them, in large and medium groundwater bodies. Still, the situation varies, and in some places the groundwater levels are also more than 10 cm below average. In North Karelia, groundwater levels are clearly above average.

The weather of the coming days will affect the variation in soil humidity across the country. According to forecasts, the soil may dry out to a low humidity level in most parts of the country, during the summer. If the warm and dry weather continues for a long time, the groundwater levels may fall significantly below average during the summer, especially in small groundwater deposits. Low dug wells are then the most likely to dry out. Typically, soil moisture increases, and groundwater reserves begin to fill only in the autumn, but heavy rainfall may also increase groundwater levels in the summer.

The drought situation report will next be updated in week 27.

 

How should I prepare for droughts?

A period of drought may reduce the volume and impair the quality of well waters and also hamper farming and horticulture. Droughts can and should be prepared for.

Monitor and plan ahead

A drought does not develop overnight, so do not let it catch you by surprise! Watch for the symptoms of draught in your environment and listen to weather forecasts. Observe the groundwater and soil moisture situation in your area and monitor the water level in your well. Find out where you can obtain water if your well runs dry. If you use tap water, keep an eye on any notifications issued by the water utility.

Be observant and store water

When the water level drops in your well, the quality of water may deteriorate. Observe the quality of your well water and if you suspect a quality defect, stop using the water in the kitchen and have it tested. Where possible, you can also store water for future use in a tank or irrigation basin, however remembering that the quality of stagnant water deteriorates quickly.

Start irrigation in time

You should start irrigating your crops early rather than late. If the ground surface is already dry, it is less absorbent and the water runs away. In lands prone to drought, draught risks should be taken into account when selecting crops for cultivation. The harms caused by drought can additionally be mitigated by selecting suitable tillage methods and other cultivation techniques.

Fun facts about droughts