On Friday, heavy snowfall is expected across Latvia, except for the northwest, with the most snow falling in the southeast, where the snow cover will increase by 15-20 centimeters by Saturday, meteorologists warn.
The highest amount of precipitation is forecasted in Zemgale, Selia, and Latgale, as well as in the eastern and southern parts of Vidzeme. Very little snow will fall in Ventspils, Kolkasrags, and Ainaži.
In Kurzeme, the snowfall will cease on Friday evening, while in Latgale it will stop on Saturday morning. After the snowfall ends, the wind in many places will create blizzards, lifting snow from the surface.
The eastern and northeastern winds will strengthen in gusts up to 11-16 meters per second, reaching up to 20 meters per second on the Kurzeme coast of the Gulf of Riga.
In southern Latgale, freezing rain is occasionally possible. The air temperature will range from -4 to -10 degrees, being a degree warmer at the Belarusian border.
An orange warning for prolonged and heavy snowfall and blizzards has been issued across the country by the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.
Some roads may become impassable, and railway tracks may also be covered with snow in places. The most severe situation will develop starting from noon on Friday.
In Riga, prolonged snowfall and blizzards are expected on Friday, with heavy snow at times. The eastern and northeastern winds will blow with gusts up to 13 meters per second. The air temperature will be -6 to -7 degrees.
