If winter is real, then summer will be…" Expert on what the continuation of the prolonged frosts will be like 0 19

According to weather signs and the folk calendar, Vilis Bukshs believes that winter will not retreat quickly this year. February will also maintain typical winter weather, as if inviting people to enjoy winter joys until the last.

He reminds us that at the beginning of February — around February 6–8 — there are often very strong frosts, and this year such a possibility also exists.

The signs indicating that winter will "seriously cling" were already noted on Star Day — January 6.

"And in February, winter will still 'bite', and everything will continue. In March, temperature fluctuations should be expected. Of course, such cold as now will not be there anymore, but only in the second half of April may real warmth appear."

One of the most pressing questions is what weather is expected by Easter. Bukshs's forecast will not please those hoping for a stable spring already in March or early April.

"The first half of April may still have night frosts and various precipitation. Daytime temperatures may be above zero, while at night — below. There may also be some light snow."

According to him, the true arrival of spring is only possible in the second half of April, when daytime temperatures may reach around +15 degrees.

Bukshs emphasizes: although in recent years we have become accustomed to mild winters, we remain northerners, and such a winter as this year is not unusual at all.

"We must consider that we live in the North, that our small country is located in the northern part. It should be remembered that such cold periodically returns. A similar situation occurred in 2010 when January was also cold, and then a very good summer followed."

Such periodicity is observed from time to time. An experienced observer recalls that in April 2013 he was still skiing.

"On April 15, 2013, I was still skiing. Winter was long, and then spring came very abruptly. There were severe floods. The winter of 2016 was similar. This is not surprising. People need to understand that in one winter, snow has to be shoveled once or twice, while in another — ten or twelve times."

Many are concerned whether the frosts will cause serious damage to nature — insects, birds, and animals. Bukshs reassures: "Most insects hibernate under the snow. For them to die off en masse, frosts of -20 or -30 degrees without snow cover are needed."

He acknowledges that natural selection occurs in nature. "Birds and animals accustomed to mild winters may suffer more this year. But this is a natural process — nature itself regulates balance."

A good winter means a good summer

According to ancient signs and observations, Vilis Bukshs assesses the prospects for summer quite optimistically. "If winter is real, then summer usually compensates."

He pays special attention to the period from January 20 to February 2 — a time that ancestors considered important for predicting summer.

"So far, all signs indicate that summer may be good and fruitful. Everything suggests that after John’s Day, summer will compensate for what was missed last year."

In Bukshs's opinion, July and August may be particularly summery warm.

"Heat waves are possible — even above +30 degrees. Precipitation will be short-lived, local, with downpours and gusty winds."

Autumn, on the other hand, is likely to be long and traditional, possibly extending until Christmas.