The period from September to March in Latvia is the second driest on record 0 6

The average drought and humidity index for the three months this year indicates the longest extreme drought since February 1964. Several observation stations have recorded records for the duration of extreme drought, with the Zilani station in Jekabpils experiencing drought for six months now.

All months since August last year in Latvia have had less precipitation than usual. The volume of precipitation recorded from September to March has become the second lowest on record for this period since 1924. Even less precipitation was observed during this period only in 1941–1942.

According to the drought and humidity index, new records for drought duration have been set this year in Zemgale — at observation stations in Bauska, Dobele, and Jelgava, as well as in Kuldiga and Jekabpils.

At the Zilani observation station located in Jekabpils, the extreme drought has been ongoing since mid-October last year, meaning it has lasted for 19 consecutive decades. A longer drought period was previously recorded only in the Ventspils region, in Vichaki — it began in December 1962 and lasted for 23 decades, or 230 days.

The drought and humidity index is calculated based on precipitation data and does not reflect soil moisture. After last year's rainy summer, the soil in many parts of the country still remains sufficiently moist.

Meteorologists forecast that light rain and wet snow are expected in Latvia on the last day of April, with occasional precipitation possible in early May; however, the total amount is likely to be small, so the drought will persist and may even intensify in most parts of the country.

It was previously reported that May in Latvia would start with a sharp rise in temperature, but summer-like warm days will be followed by cooler weather.