Oulu, in northern Finland close to the Gulf of Bothnia, receives around 500 mm (about 20 inches) of rain a year, less than southern Finnish cities, reflecting its more northerly position where colder air limits the intensity of convective summer storms compared with further south. Rain is fairly evenly spread through the shorter summer season, with the long winters bringing snow rather than rain. The gulf’s waters moderate the immediate coastal climate somewhat compared with locations further inland at the same latitude. Because Oulu’s weather-related risks are generally more modest than southern Finland’s, radar is mainly used here to time outdoor activity around the relatively brief, more intense summer rain season. Finland’s Meteorological Institute operates the national radar network.
Learn more: How Does Rain Radar Work? · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Oulu right now?
The live radar map above shows precipitation over Oulu, North Ostrobothnia in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over Oulu, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the Oulu rain radar update?
The radar refreshes continuously, typically every few minutes, so the map reflects current conditions rather than an hours-old forecast. Press play to animate the most recent frames.
Can I see if a storm is heading toward Oulu?
Yes. Press play on the radar to animate the last few hours of rainfall and watch which way rain cells over North Ostrobothnia are moving – the clearest way to judge whether a shower will reach Oulu or pass by.
Is this Oulu rain radar free to use?
Yes, completely free – no account, app download, or sign-up required. It works in any browser on desktop and mobile.