On Friday, Latvia is set to experience a significant snowstorm, prompting meteorologists to issue an orange level weather warning for the entire country, including the capital city, Riga. The warning from the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center indicates that a prolonged and intense snowfall will commence on Friday morning at 8 AM. As a wide precipitation zone moves in from the southwest, areas in the southeast may also see rain and sleet intermittently throughout the day.

Forecasts suggest that snowfall may range from 10 to 25 centimeters in most parts of the country, while the northwestern region, particularly around Ventspils and Kolka, as well as areas like Salacgrīva and Rūjiena, will experience lesser amounts. Furthermore, winds from the east and northeast are expected to strengthen considerably, with gusts reaching up to 16 meters per second in most areas, and potentially hitting 20 meters per second along the Kurzeme coast of the Gulf of Riga. Following the heavy snowfall, it is anticipated that conditions will start to ease overnight into Saturday, though the storm will initially intensify in the capital on Friday.

This weather warning highlights the need for caution among residents and travelers, particularly in light of the potential for hazardous driving conditions due to significant snow accumulation and strong winds. As the storm develops, it underscores the importance of being prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, typical for the region during winter months.