Lappeenranta

Meteorologists recorded a high temperature of 25.2 degrees Celsius (77 F) in the eastern town of Lappeenranta, marking the city's 40th 'hot' day this year, according to Yle forecaster Anne Borgström.

Frost exposure and poor pollination are behind expectations for a less than ideal season, according to research institute Luke. Bilberry patches at particular risk are in the regions of South Karelia, Kainuu, Keminmaa, Ylitornio, as well as certain areas of Central and South Ostrobothnia.

Potentially harmful blue-green algae has increased in lakes over the past week.

Sixty-three endangered Saimaa ringed seal pups were found during the early spring count carried out by forestry workers and volunteers.

Recent heavy snowfall and large drifts have created ideal conditions for the dens where the endangered Saimaa ringed seal raise their young, and a record number of pups may be born this year. The freshwater Saimaa ringed seal is one of the most endangered seal species in the world.

Heavy snows over the weekend are likely to have saved up to half of the rare, endangered Saimaa seal pups being born this winter season from death by exposure or from predators.