Latvia Weather: Snow, Ice & Road Conditions

Riga, January 26, 2024 – Brace yourselves, Latvia: a prolonged stretch of wintry weather is settling in, bringing slippery roads, reduced visibility, and a good chance of freezing rain thru the weekend. The Latvian environment, Geology and Meteorology Center is forecasting a significant increase in snow cover across much of the country.

Weekend Weather: Snow,Sleet,and Coastal Chill

Expect a mix of snow,wet snow,and rain,with temperatures hovering around freezing.

• Precipitation, primarily snow, is expected through Sunday.
• Roads will be treacherous due to ice and snow.
• Coastal areas may experience rain and temperatures slightly above freezing.
• Temperatures will drop below -10°C early next week.

What’s the forecast for the coming days? Expect a messy mix of precipitation – mainly snow, but with wet snow and even rain possible in western regions. The potential for freezing rain exists in central and eastern Latvia, creating hazardous conditions.Visibility will be significantly reduced during snowfall, and roads will be slick, demanding extra caution from drivers.

Friday will see intermittent precipitation, with a light to moderate southerly to southeasterly wind. Along the coast, expect gusty southerly to southwesterly winds. Daytime temperatures will range from +1 to -3 degrees celsius, rising to +1 to +4 degrees Celsius along the coast.

Continued Precipitation and Cooling Temperatures

The unsettled weather pattern continues through Saturday and Sunday.Snow is anticipated in many areas, with a blend of wet snow and rain near the coast. The snowpack will continue to build up gradually. Winds are expected to diminish on Sunday, shifting to a light, variable direction.

while coastal regions might see temperatures remain slightly above zero over the weekend, the rest of the country will experience a return to colder conditions, with daytime and nighttime temperatures falling between 0 and -5 degrees celsius.

Did you know? Latvia experiences an average of 90-120 days with snow cover annually, making winter preparedness crucial for residents.

The first half of next week promises drier conditions, though stronger winds will persist in coastal areas. Frost will become widespread, and nighttime temperatures in some regions are forecast to plummet below -10 degrees Celsius.

Pro tip – Ensure your vehicle is equipped with winter tires and an emergency kit including a shovel, warm blankets, and a flashlight.

Stay safe out there, and be prepared for challenging travel conditions. Consider delaying non-essential travel if possible, and always check the latest forecasts before heading out.

Reader question – What is black ice? Its a thin, clear ice layer forming on roads, making it nearly invisible and extremely dangerous.