As temperatures rise in Lithuania, a phenomenon known as 'water spring' occurs, causing melting snow and ice to pool in low-lying areas, prompting residents in affected rural areas to keep their boots handy.
With warmer temperatures approaching Lithuania, a significant layer of ice, reportedly 35-38 cm thick, is melting in Southern Lithuania, leading to what is informally termed 'water spring.' This transient flooding is attributed to the inability of the ground, still frozen, to absorb the meltwater, causing it to overflow into fields and form temporary ponds. Residents, especially those in rural areas who have experienced these seasonal events before, are advised to keep their boots ready to manage the rising waters.
Meteorologists predict an influx of warm air from the southwest starting Friday, which will accelerate the melting of existing snow and ice. By Saturday, temperatures in some southern regions may reach as high as 7-9 degrees Celsius. This dramatic shift not only signals the end of meteorological winter but also heralds the arrival of early spring, a phase characterized by increased water runoff and potential flooding. Communities and local authorities are encouraged to prepare for these seasonal changes to ensure safety and minimize disruption.
The phenomenon of 'water spring' is not new to the area but highlights broader environmental changes related to climate patterns. As winters appear to be becoming milder, residents are increasingly advised on how to navigate the implications of these shifts, including the seasonal flooding that 'water spring' can bring. This ongoing weather pattern underscores the importance of being prepared for transitional seasons in Lithuania, where ice and snow begin to yield to the warmer months, impacting both daily life and local ecosystems.
