Mean temperature changeSource: Finnish Meteorological Institute Updated: 1.3.2013 Next update: 3.6.2013Wintern was near the long term averageThe average temperature of the winter months, which are December, January and February, ranged from -3°C on the southwestern Finland to shy of 13°C in the northwest of Lapland . Compared to the long term average, the average temperature was slightly lower than normal in the southern and western part of Finland, whereas in the eastern and northern part of Finland it was milder than normal. This was the first winter since the winter 2007-2008, when the lowest temperature didn't go below -40°C. 
Description of indicator
Following the evolution of mean temperatures gives information on the progress of climate change. There are many factors that affect the temperatures. Annual and decadal temperature oscillations are related to changes in different weather types. Occasionally we get mild weather from southerly and westerly flows and occasionally colder weather from the north.
Finnish temperatures have risen approximately one degree Celsius since early 20th century. In Helsinki the urban heat island effect amplifies the warming trend. The temperature rise is not constant and it is partly obscured by the large natural variability which is characteristic for Finland. Globally however the temperature rise of over half a degree Celsius in the 20th century is statistically significant.
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