Meteorologists in Lithuania report that the first half of February was significantly colder than the long-term average, with notable temperature anomalies.
The Lithuanian meteorological service reports that the first half of February 2023 has been much colder than the average, with temperatures in Vilnius dropping to -9.5 °C and -9.1 °C in Klaipėda. This is a significant anomaly compared to the 1991–2020 averages, with 13 and 16 days respectively being colder than usual for this period. The coldest days were observed at the beginning of the month and around the mid-month mark. Moreover, the first half of February has also been drier than normal, with only about 40% of the expected rainfall recorded so far this month.
The report highlights stark regional variations in precipitation across Lithuania. For instance, Vilnius recorded just 10.7 mm of rain, which is about 25% of the monthly norm, while Klaipėda had slightly higher rainfall at 13.5 mm, equating to 30% of the anticipated total for February. The overall expected precipitation for Vilnius this month is 42 mm, compared to 45 mm for Klaipėda, indicating that while both cities are experiencing below-average rainfall, the discrepancy is noteworthy.
The meteorological service emphasizes that the unusual cold and dry weather could have implications not just for daily life but also for agriculture and local ecosystems, which rely on seasonal weather patterns. As the month progresses, further observations and updates to the forecast will be crucial for understanding how these conditions might evolve and affect various sectors across the country.
