Estonia Braces for Heavy Rain, Hail, and Potential Tornadoes Today, 11 June 2026
Estonia is on high alert today, June 11, 2026, as a severe weather system moves across the country, bringing torrential rain, thunderstorms, large hail, and the rare threat of tornadoes.
The Estonian Environment Agency has issued extensive weather warnings, urging residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
The Forecast: Storms Moving South to North
The day started with cloudy skies and occasional clear spells. However, rain clouds that developed over Southern Estonia this morning are currently moving northward across the country.
- Afternoon & Evening: Rainfall is expected to intensify significantly in most regions. By late afternoon and evening, widespread thunderstorms will develop.
- Severe Risks: The storms bring a high risk of hail—with stones potentially exceeding 2 centimeters in diameter—and a rare warning for potential tornado (tomb) formations.
- Temperatures: Highs will range between 14°C and 19°C, though Eastern Estonia could see temperatures reach up to 23°C ahead of the storm front.
High-Alert Regions (Level 2 Warnings)
A serious Level 2 thunderstorm warning has been issued for four southern and southwestern counties:
- Pärnumaa
- Valgamaa
- Viljandimaa
- Võrumaa
In these areas, the risk of severe thunderstorms, damaging hail, destructive wind gusts, and tornadoes is at its highest. The rest of Estonia remains under a Level 1 warning for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, with localized precipitation expected to exceed 25 millimeters.
Gale-Force Winds and Marine Warnings
Winds are shifting and intensifying rapidly. Easterly winds of 2–8 m/s will strengthen by afternoon, turning northeasterly and northerly at 4–10 m/s, with gusts reaching 14 m/s inland and up to 18 m/s along the coasts and during thunderstorms.
Hazardous conditions are also expected on Estonia's water bodies:
- Lake Peipsi: Easterly and southeasterly winds will gust up to 14 m/s later today, with wave heights rising to 1.2 meters. Heavy rain showers and late-evening thunderstorms will significantly reduce visibility. Temperatures over the lake will hover between 18°C and 21°C.
- The Baltic Sea, Gulf of Finland, and Väinameri: Wind gusts could reach 17–18 m/s, creating rough seas with wave heights between 1 and 2.5 meters.
Outlook: Conditions into Friday, June 12
Tonight: Heavy rain and thunderstorms will persist into the early hours of Friday morning before gradually tapering off. Overnight temperatures will drop to between 10°C and 16°C. Winds will remain strong, shifting toward the south inland and southwest/west along the islands and west coast after midnight.
Tomorrow (Friday): Friday daytime will bring variable cloudiness with only localized rain showers. Southwest and west winds will gust up to 13 m/s (16 m/s on the northern coast morning) before gradually calming down by evening. Temperatures will range from 14°C to 20°C.
For residents in Tallinn, the sun rose today at 04:05 and will set at 22:36. Drivers and outdoor enthusiasts are advised to monitor local radar updates as conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly this afternoon.
