Finland has been in a deep freeze for some time, but the cold is now easing. Temperatures are set to rise across the country through the end of the week, with weekend readings expected between zero and minus five degrees Celsius.

Even in the north, where last weekend brought extreme cold, the temperatures are up by tens of degrees. In the coming days, temperatures will continue to climb, and in southern parts of the country, they may even cross into positive territory.

"On Friday, western Finland could see daytime temperatures above zero for a while," said Yle meteorologist Aleksi Lohtander.

In northern Finland, temperatures on Friday are expected to range between zero and minus ten degrees, while in the east, they should settle between zero and minus five.

Rain moves in

Snowfall will reach southwestern Finland on Wednesday night, with expected accumulations between two and ten centimeters.

The heaviest snow is forecast for the southwestern archipelago and along the coast from Turku to Vaasa.

As temperatures rise in western Finland, showers there are likely to fall increasingly as rain or sleet.

Over the weekend, temperatures nationwide are expected to hover between zero and minus five degrees Celsius.