Harju said that due to its long tusks, she guessed that it was an older walrus, adding that the animal was calm during the hour that she watched it lay on the beach.

Some migrant birds are already flocking to the north, but a cold snap may delay more returns.

The eyewitness, who first heard the animal splashing by the southeastern coast, said she couldn't believe her eyes.

A temperature of 27.7 degrees Celsius was recorded in the southern city of Kouvola.

Mild, wet weather has raised water levels in rivers and lakes around the country.

Finland’s sizzling temperatures will drop down to around 20 degrees Celsius next week.