Estonian Independence Day this year to be cold, snow covered

The Estonian forest during winter is often seen as the inspiration behind the national flag.
The Estonian forest during winter is often seen as the inspiration behind the national flag. Source: Tõnis Tuuder - Eesti Looduse fotovõistlus 2013 / Wikimedia Commons

Independence Day, Friday, February 24, will be cold, with the blue-black-white national flag likely to stand out against the snow cover already blanketing the country, with more snowfall due daytime Thursday, at least in the north and west.

The national holiday will be slightly milder than Thursday, however.

At the same time, the long weekend will give plenty of time to indulge in winter sports or to spend the time with friends and family, though the conditions mean due care is needed when driving and moving around in general.

Thursday

After a dry, but very cold night – temperatures as low as -22C down in Võru County - Thursday morning remains cold, and mostly cloudy. The eastern half of the country will see much lower temperature values (-16 to -14C) than the western half (-9 to -6C, and as "mild" as -3C on the islands). A southwesterly breeze will pick up, with gusts up to 14 m/s forecast.

Estonian weather forecast for the morning of Thursday, February 23, 2023. Source: ERR

Daytime is likely to see a return of the snow, in the north and west of the country (see map below). This again will be accompanied by slightly milder temperatures (-7 to 0C) than in the drier east (down to -8C).

Estonian weather forecast daytime, Thursday, February 23, 2023. Source: ERR

Next three days

Going into the holiday weekend, similar conditions are expected. Patches of snow are forecast through to the start of the new week, likely falling as sleet or rain on the islands and west coast as temperatures rise a little (on average -2C on the Friday, down to -6C on average on the Sunday). The clouds will clear somewhat during this time also.

Estonian three-day weather forecast as of Thursday, February 23, 2023. Source: ERR

Thursday is a half-day in Estonia, with people winding up for independence day from lunchtime. February 24 is a national holiday. Since it falls on a Friday this year, this spells a long weekend for most people, so plenty of time to enjoy the snowy landscape ahead of election week starting Monday.

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Editor: Andrew Whyte

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