According to the Environment Agency, the weather in Estonia from July 3-7 was very changeable. There was thunder, heavy rain, hail and wind. For example, on July 3, large hailstones fell in Keila. On July 5, there was 95 mm of rain in six hours on Muhu Island. In some places, rainfall exceeded 100 mm.
Heavy rain caused flooding in some areas. Waterspouts and funnel clouds were also observed. On July 6 and 7, there was again heavy rain, hail and winds up to 23 m/s in western and northwestern Estonia. The Environment Agency says the changeable weather will persist for some time.
There has been a heatwave in Europe, but it did not reach Estonia. University of Tartu professor Piia Post says that the weather in Estonia is always changeable. Summers can be hot or cold, dry or wet. She says that climate warming is making rainfall more intense.
Environment Agency specialist Külli Loodla says that summer rains in Estonia are often very localized. One place may get a lot of rain, while a few kilometers away there may be none at all. The coast and islands are cooler in summer than inland.
Professor Post says that climate change is also affecting agriculture. Winter crops are becoming more popular. In cities, asphalt and concrete cause more flooding because water cannot soak into the ground.
Environment Agency meteorologist Taimi Paljak says that the weather in July will remain changeable. After July 10, there may be some hotter days, but then it will get cooler again. August may be warmer and drier than average.