Latvia engulfed by a snowstorm
Visibility in the snowstorm in South Kurzeme and Zemgale has dropped to between 500 and 800 meters, making driving conditions difficult.
Latvia is currently experiencing severe weather conditions due to a snowstorm, particularly affecting the regions of South Kurzeme and Zemgale. Visibility in these areas has significantly decreased to between 500 and 800 meters, posing challenges for drivers. Gusts of wind from the east and northeast are intensifying, with recorded speeds reaching up to 14 meters per second in Kolka. The air quality in these conditions is noted to be fair to moderate, adding to the concerns for those venturing outdoors.
At 5 a.m., temperatures across Latvia varied from -4.6 degrees Celsius in Daugavpils to -11 degrees Celsius in Rūjiena, signaling a cold snap. Snow depth at observation stations fluctuated considerably, ranging from 6-8 centimeters in various locations like Kolka and Rūjiena, to up to 53 centimeters in Dagda. In the capital city, Riga, snow is currently falling along with a moderate northeast wind blowing at about five meters per second, with the temperature at -8 degrees Celsius.
The weather situation is notable as the maximum temperatures across Latvia were recorded from +0.8 degrees Celsius in Daugavpils to -7.5 degrees Celsius in Alūksne. This weekend marks the first time since January 7 that temperatures exceeded the freezing point in Latvia, a significant shift indicating a potential warming trend. Meanwhile, in a broader European context, the highest temperature recorded on February 12 was +25 degrees Celsius in southeastern Spain, highlighting the varied weather systems impacting the continent at this time.