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.

Harju said that due to its long tusks, she guessed that it was an older walrus, adding that the animal was calm during the hour that she watched it lay on the beach.

Some migrant birds are already flocking to the north, but a cold snap may delay more returns.

The eyewitness, who first heard the animal splashing by the southeastern coast, said she couldn't believe her eyes.

Gusty winds and precipitation began pounding Finland from the southwest on Wednesday morning.

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.

In the frigid waters of the Gulf of Finland, cyanobacteria has been observed for the first time during the winter months.

Sightings of great egrets have been reported for decades, but sightings this summer confirm the first time the species has nested in Finland.

A temperature of 27.7 degrees Celsius was recorded in the southern city of Kouvola.

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.

Mild, wet weather has raised water levels in rivers and lakes around the country.

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.

Finland’s sizzling temperatures will drop down to around 20 degrees Celsius next week.