On February 17, Latvia recorded a new cold record with temperatures dipping to minus 32 degrees Celsius at the Daugavpils weather station, marking the lowest temperature recorded in Europe for that day. This temperature surpasses the previous record of minus 30.5 degrees Celsius set in Mērsrags in 1979. The news highlights the extreme weather conditions affecting not just Latvia, but also the wider European continent, as significant drops in temperature have been noted across several other weather observation stations in Latvia.

The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre reported that 17 weather observation sites noted varying temperatures across the country, with extremes reaching minus 9.3 degrees Celsius in Kolka and minus 25.6 degrees Celsius in Madona. This proliferation of enduring cold weather has prompted warnings about safety on the roads, particularly on the A6 highway, where temperatures fell to minus 29 degrees Celsius, posing risks for travelers.

These records not only indicate a notable climatic event but also reflect ongoing discussions about changing weather patterns, possibly linked to broader climatic shifts affecting the region. As temperatures remain low, authorities might need to implement further measures to ensure public safety and respond to the challenges posed by such extreme weather in both urban and rural areas, thus emphasizing the need for preparedness in the face of climatic extremes.