poikkeusolosuhteissa

Poikkeusolosuhteissa is a Finnish expression meaning “in exceptional circumstances” or “under extraordinary conditions.” It is used to describe situations in which normal rules, procedures, or capacities may not be sufficient and special measures are required.

The phrase appears in everyday language, media, and official communications to signal that standard operations are being adjusted due to severe or unusual events. Common contexts include natural disasters, severe weather, large-scale accidents, public health emergencies, or security threats. In such cases authorities may implement emergency measures, reallocate resources, or modify administrative processes to protect life, health, and property. The wording helps convey the temporary and extraordinary nature of the actions taken.

Legal and governance aspects often accompany the term. In Finnish law the concept is related to poikkeusolot (states of emergency) and, less commonly, hätätila, which describe formal conditions under which authorities may exercise enhanced powers. The exact powers and constraints depend on current legislation and oversight mechanisms, but the general purpose is to enable fast, coordinated response while aiming to safeguard fundamental rights as much as possible.

In translation, poikkeusolosuhteissa is commonly rendered as “in exceptional circumstances” or “under emergency conditions.” The phrase serves to contextualize actions and policies as temporary responses to extraordinary events rather than as standard practice.