A powerful thunderstorm swept through Helsinki early Sunday morning, bringing lightning, heavy rain and strong winds to the capital region.

According to data from online lightning tracking services, the most intense storm front passed over the Helsinki metropolitan area around 9:30am.

, duty meteorologist at the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI), described the event as a brief but intense downpour.

"These kinds of thunderstorms are quite typical in the summer — this one isn't particularly unusual. Still, it did feel pretty intense," she said.

Elsewhere, lightning strikes caused several fires in Satakunta and Pirkanmaa during the morning.

In Kangasala, Pirkanmaa, a lightning bolt struck a tree in a residential yard, damaging the property's electrical systems. Local emergency services extinguished the burning tree.

In Kokemäki, Satakunta, lightning hit an outbuilding. The owner was able to begin extinguishing the fire and dismantling a smouldering wall before fire crews arrived to ensure it was fully out.

Heavy rain and strong winds are forecast to continue across southern and central Finland throughout the day. Localised rainfall could reach up to 40mm, and wind gusts may hit speeds of 20 metres per second.

Rauhamäki advised the public to monitor weather warnings closely.

The Tuska metal music festival in Helsinki warned that gusty winds could impact Sunday's programme and logistics.

Blustery conditions are expected to continue on Monday in southwestern Finland and on Tuesday in the southeast, though rainfall will be less severe. From Tuesday onwards, temperatures in southern and western regions may reach 20 degrees Celsius.

"That kind of weather already feels a bit more summery, especially with some sunshine," Rauhamäki noted.

Later in the week, low pressure systems are expected to return, bringing cooler and unsettled weather across the country.