Regional water situation

Eastern and Southeast Finland 17.7.

In the Vuoksi river basin, the water levels of medium-sized natural lakes are still exceptionally low in places due to the low amount of snow in the winter and the early spring that was low in precipitation. In the North Savo and North Karelia regions, for example, the water level of Lake Viinijärvi has declined lower than before during its observation history in mid-July, and the water level of Lake Saarijärvi in Kaavi is close to its lowest water level during its entire observation period. The area near Lake Saimaa has been rainier since mid-May, and the water level of Lake Kuolimo, for example, is already close to its seasonal average. The water levels of large lakes will remain significantly below the average seasonal level well into August at least.

The water level of Lake Kallavesi is now approximately 35 cm below its seasonal average and at its lowest seasonal level since the driest years in the early 1940s. According to the forecast, the water level will remain close to its current level in the coming weeks. If the weather remains low in precipitation in late July and in August, the water level may fall below the lower limit of boat traffic in August.

The water level of Lake Pielinen is also still approximately 35 cm below the average seasonal level and will remain close to its current level in the coming weeks.

The water level of Lake Saimaa is approximately 40 cm below the long-term seasonal average. Exceptional flow regulation was initiated in Lake Saimaa at the end of March to reduce the harmful effects of low water levels. The water level is now approximately 40 cm higher than the natural level. The water level is forecast to remain close to the current level or to decline slowly by 0–10 cm by the end of August.