A widespread frost warning covers Finland from the northeast to the south.

Last night was exceptionally cold, with Vihti in Uusimaa recording -29.7 Celsius.

Monday is expected to be the coldest day of the week in the capital region, with morning temperatures around -20C in central Helsinki and -25C inland under clear skies.

Although frost will ease slightly by afternoon, it will remain severe.

These conditions are driven by high pressure and cold air masses.

Starting Tuesday, as air masses warm and cloud cover increases, severe frosts will subside but temperatures across Finland will remain between -10C and -20C through the weekend.

Frost warnings are expected to end by Tuesday or Wednesday.

Such intense cold has been rare in southern Finland this century; even -20C is uncommon for the capital region.

The frost can lead to problems like burst pipes in small houses as water freezes inside them.

Sources: The Finnish Meteorological Institute, Foreca