This Week's Weather: Fire Danger Extremely High, Rain Moves In on May 1 Holiday
Except for a few localized drops on two separate days, no rain has fallen on the country since April 14, and in combination with a relatively snowless winter, forests in inland areas are bone-dry. As of today, 90 percent of the mainland is in the the highest category V for forest fire danger and the islands and western and northern coast were in category IV.
No wildfires on the order of the extensive one on Lithuania's Curronian spit have occurred.
A gentle warming trend will continue after some crisper sunny days last week, and by Tuesday temperatures should again crack the 20 C mark. Showers in northern Estonia are possible, but the first low pressure front and significant precipitation will probably be on Thursday.
Wednesday night and Thursday are expected to be overcast with rain widespread, heavier in the north of the country. The temperature on the coasts is unlikely to break 5 C. Inland areas could see daytime highs up to 14 C.
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The Meteorology and Hydrology Institute is turning 95 on May 18 and has announced a contest. There are awards for those who come closest to guessing what the weather will be like on that day at noon in the town of Türi. The form is here; the fields are: Air temperature; Will it be raining (yes/no), First and last name; and Telephone and/or e-mail. The contest is open until May 1. Note that air temperatures have to be stated to the nearest tenth of a degree.