Water situation 28.8.

Rivers in North Ostrobothnia have fallen from their flood peaks

The record-high August rainfall last week increased the water levels of rivers and lakes in the southwestern parts of North Ostrobothnia and Lapland to the level of an average spring flood. Flood peaks were exceptional for summer in places and record-high outside the spring flood season. This week, rainfall has remained low, and the water levels of rivers and lakes have started to decline. Next week, the weather is forecast to become more unstable again, which may cause water levels to start rising again.

The rainy summer has alleviated the drought situation in Lakeland Finland. However, the water levels of large lakes are still unusually low in places. The water level of Lake Saimaa is around 50 cm and that of Lake Päijänne around 30 cm lower than on average this time of the year. In the Kymijoki river basin, the water levels of Lakes Konnevesi and Keitele are also unusually low for the season.