Regional water situation

Eastern and Southeast Finland 9.7.

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 North Savo and North Karelia, the water levels of, for example, Lake Viinijärvi and Lake Saarijärvi in Kaavi are close to their lowest water levels during their entire observation periods. 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 still remain significantly below the average seasonal level in July.

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 decrease by 0–15 cm by the beginning of August. If the weather remains low in precipitation in July and August, the water level may fall below the lower limit of boat traffic in August.

The water level of Lake Pielinen has risen by around 20 cm due to the rainy weather that began in mid-May. The water level is still approximately 40 cm below its seasonal average. Without heavy rainfall, the water level is forecast to decline by 0–25 cm by mid-August.

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 35 cm higher than the natural level. The water level is expected to decline slowly, by 0–15 cm by the end of August.