The sky has clouded over, rain has started in Kurzeme and northwest Vidzeme. Haze in places. Driving conditions are satisfactory.
A slow to moderate southerly, southwesterly wind is blowing, it is stronger on the coast, gusts up to 15.6 meters per second were recorded in Ventspils port at night.
The weather is cloudy in Riga, the south, south-west wind blows at a speed of 4-6 meters per second, gusts up to 10 meters per second. Air temperature +2..+3 degrees.
The Latvian Center for Environment, Geology and Meteorology has announced a yellow warning for snowfall in the eastern part of the country, mainly in Latgale, predicting that a snow cover up to five centimeters thick will form on Thursday evening.
In places in Latgale, roads may become slippery, but in the evening and on Friday night, icing is also possible in other parts of Latvia.
On Thursday afternoon and evening, starting from the northwest of the country, the precipitation will stop and the sky will clear. The maximum air temperature will be from 0..+2 degrees in Latgale to +9 degrees on the coast of Kurzeme.
A light to moderate southwesterly wind will blow. During the day in Kurzeme and in the west also in the rest of the country, it will change to the north-west wind.
It will rain for a long time in Riga, in the evening the rain will stop and the sky will clear. Southwesterly winds will become slower, becoming northwesterly in the evening. The air temperature will reach +6 degrees.
Latvia is crossed from the northwest by a low pressure depression and an atmospheric front. Air pressure 1013-1019 hectopascals at sea level.
The maximum air temperature on Wednesday in the observation network of the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center was from +1.3 degrees in Dagda to +8.2 degrees in Liepāja and Ventspils.
The highest air temperature in Europe on November 13 was +27 degrees in Crete and Cyprus. The lowest air temperature at night on Thursday -15 degrees in the Alps.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Weather Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to this special segment on weather conditions brought to you by Time.news. Today, we have Dr. Ilze Bērziņa, a meteorologist with the Latvian Center for Environment, Geology, and Meteorology. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Bērziņa.
Dr. Ilze Bērziņa (IB): Thank you for having me. It’s great to be here.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. We’ve seen reports of rain in Kurzeme and northwest Vidzeme. Can you explain what’s causing this weather shift?
IB: Yes, the recent rain in those regions is primarily due to an approaching weather front. As warm and moist air moves in from the south, it encounters cooler air, leading to precipitation. This transition often brings cloudy skies and rain, which we are experiencing currently.
TNE: Interesting! You mentioned the wind conditions, particularly strong gusts occurring at Ventspils port. Can you elaborate on how wind patterns affect our daily weather?
IB: Certainly! In this case, a slow to moderate southerly and southwesterly wind is blowing across the region. The stronger gusts, especially at coastal areas like Ventspils, can reach up to 15.6 meters per second. Winds like these can cause turbulence and impact local temperatures. They also play an essential role in distributing moisture in the atmosphere, influencing cloud formation and precipitation.
TNE: Given that the temperature is hovering around +2 to +3 degrees Celsius in Riga, what should residents expect in the coming days?
IB: The temperatures are indeed quite low, especially for this time of year. With the cloud cover and ongoing winds, we can expect more fluctuations in temperature. Residents may see a mix of rain and possibly even some sleet, particularly during the night when temperatures drop. Staying warm and safe while driving conditions remain satisfactory is important.
TNE: Speaking of driving conditions, are there specific precautions that drivers should take during this type of weather?
IB: Absolutely. While driving conditions are currently satisfactory, it’s crucial for motorists to remain vigilant. Wet roads can reduce traction, so maintaining a safe speed is essential. Additionally, with potential gusty winds, drivers should be cautious, especially in areas where trees or loose structures could pose hazards. It’s always good practice to check for local advisories before heading out.
TNE: Those are great tips! As a final question, how does the weather in Latvia compare to other regions in Europe during this time of year?
IB: Latvia typically experiences cold, wet winters with predominant maritime influences, which can differ significantly from more continental climates found in Central and Eastern Europe. Regions further south may enjoy milder conditions with less precipitation, while northern areas might endure harsher weather. our climate’s unique mix affects everything from our ecosystems to daily life.
TNE: Thank you for the insights, Dr. Bērziņa! It’s always fascinating to understand the intricate dynamics of weather. We appreciate you taking the time to share your expertise with us today.
IB: Thank you for having me! Stay safe, everyone, and keep an eye on the forecast.
TNE: And thank you to our viewers for joining us. Stay tuned for more updates on weather, news, and more!