The risk of spring floods has significantly decreased, but ice drift on the Daugava is still difficult to predict - meteorologist 0 13

According to him, the risks of flooding in many places have significantly decreased compared to forecasts made two to three weeks ago. In Kurzeme, the peak of flooding is already behind, and ice drift is expected in the Lielupe basin these days, including on the Musa and Memele rivers, while next week the focus will shift to the Gauja basin, where the flood threat in the most critical areas near Carnikava has also diminished.

As usual, the ice drift will conclude in the Daugava basin, where ice movement is expected as early as next week, with the peak possibly occurring in the second half of March, predicts Viksna. Considering the remaining snow and ice thickness, the risk of flooding for areas in the Daugava basin from Daugavpils to Plavinas remains quite high. There, localized ice jams are possible, which could pose a more serious threat in some places, noted the meteorologist.

He explained that this year the ice drift processes on Latvia's rivers are slowed down because the ice is very thick and there is not enough water in the rivers to move it. Therefore, the ice remains in place and gradually breaks down, which is a very positive factor.

In response to the question of whether residents of Jekabpils should prepare for evacuation and similar flood scenarios as they did a few years ago, Viksna said that residents of these areas should always remain vigilant, as various scenarios are possible. However, more accurate forecasts can only be made after next week when the ice on the Daugava begins to move.

Speaking about the long-term weather forecast for Latvia, Viksna noted that spring has likely come to stay, as no significant drop in air temperature is expected in the coming weeks. However, it should be remembered that spring in Latvia has always been "toothy," and frosts are still possible in April and May.