Freezing Temperatures Grip Southern Latvia, Orange Warning Issued
Southern districts of Latvia are bracing for dangerously cold temperatures overnight, with an orange warning – indicating a high level of danger – now in effect. The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LVĢMC) forecasts temperatures could plummet to -27 degrees Celsius as skies clear.
The warning, valid from 10:00 PM Sunday, February 15th, to 10:00 AM Monday, February 16th, highlights the severity of the current cold snap affecting the Baltic nation. While a yellow warning – signifying potential danger – remains in place for areas slightly further north, the LVĢMC notes that temperatures in those regions will be similarly frigid.
This latest warning follows a recent blizzard that accurately predicted by the LVĢMC, demonstrating the centre’s ability to forecast challenging weather conditions. The current forecast predicts temperatures between -20 and -24 Celsius across the entire country from Saturday night into Sunday morning, preceding the more intense cold expected in the south.
The orange warning specifically targets the southernmost districts, where the combination of clear skies and cold air is expected to drive temperatures down to -27 degrees Celsius. Residents in these areas are urged to take precautions to protect themselves from the extreme cold.
Nationwide, authorities advise people to limit time spent outdoors and to dress warmly in layers if venturing outside. The very low temperatures also pose a potential risk to infrastructure and transportation, prompting a call for vigilance and preparedness.
While much of Latvia is under some form of weather alert, a narrow strip of land around Cape Kolka and along the Gulf of Rīga currently escapes the most severe warnings. However, officials emphasize that even in these areas, cold temperatures are expected.
The ongoing cold snap began earlier this month, with an initial orange alert issued on February 1st, forecasting temperatures between -25 and -29 Celsius, potentially dropping to -31 Celsius in southern districts. The current warning indicates that these bitterly cold conditions are set to persist, requiring continued caution and preparation from residents across Latvia.
