Over the next 24 hours, on August 22 , unstable weather conditions are expected in Belarus. Under the influence of atmospheric fronts from a cyclone moving from the territory of Poland towards the Baltic countries, brief thunderstorm rains will occur in most areas. At night, squally wind gusts of 15-20 m/s are expected in some areas during thunderstorms, while during the day, as baric gradients increase, winds will strengthen across most of the territory with gusts of 15-20 m/s; in the northwest, gusts may reach 21-24 m/s, and in some areas, very strong gusty winds with maximum speeds of 25-27 m/s cannot be ruled out. Due to the expected adverse hydrometeorological phenomena (thunderstorms, strong/occasionally very strong gusty winds), an orange hazard level has been declared for August 22 (Saturday) over most of the country. In addition, the frontal boundary will cause temperature contrasts across the republic: daytime maximums will range from +19°C in the northwest to +36°C in the southeast. Given that during the daytime hours on Saturday, maximum air temperatures in the southeastern regions of the republic will reach +35 +36°C , and in some areas +30 +34°C , a storm warning has been issued for extreme heat ( red hazard level ). On August 23 (Sunday), the cyclone center will move to the northwestern regions of the European territory of Russia, and Belarus will find itself in its cold and windy rear sector. Gradually, the influence of atmospheric fronts will weaken, and with rising atmospheric pressure, precipitation will become less intense and more localized. The temperature background will decrease: nighttime temperatures will range from +9 to +14°C , and daytime temperatures will be +18 to +25°C . In the following days ( August 24-27 ), due to continued advection of air masses from northwestern Europe, the republic will maintain cool weather, with temperatures generally 1-4°C below the long-term average values. At the same time, with a higher background of atmospheric pressure, little precipitation is expected; only on some days, in unstable air, cumulonimbus clouds will develop, bringing brief showers and possible thunderstorms. Given the variable nature of weather conditions, follow the operational weather forecasts and warnings on the official websites, social media, and messengers of Belhydromet, as well as in the mobile app " Pogoda v karmane ." When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

On 20 August 2026 , Belhydromet hosted a Unified Information Day dedicated to the crucial topic of "Environmental culture – everyone's responsibility." The speaker at the event was Siarhei Khilman , Head of Belhydromet, who presented a comprehensive overview of the achievements and challenges in the field of environmental security of the Republic of Belarus. Siarhei Khilman began his address by emphasising the fundamental value of natural resources, such as clean air, access to drinking water and picturesque nature. These benefits, often taken for granted, are becoming increasingly scarce on a global scale. He stressed that preserving nature is not merely a matter of aesthetic preference, but a conscious choice of every citizen, ensuring the well-being of future generations. This is precisely why environmental culture must become an integral part of our way of life. The speaker also highlighted the positive dynamics of biodiversity conservation in Belarus. Thanks to a set of environmental protection measures, many animal species are demonstrating population growth and range expansion. Particular mention was made of the recovery of the European bison (zubr) population, which has increased eightfold over the past 35 years. Special attention was paid to the development of electric transport. The Head of Belhydromet emphasised that the purchase of electric vehicles by citizens makes a direct contribution to minimising environmental damage. The number of electric vehicles in Belarus has more than quadrupled over the past two years. In terms of water use, Belarus is well supplied with water resources. Since 2025, centralized drinking water supply has been provided exclusively from underground sources, which guarantees high-quality water for the population. In conclusion, Siarhei Khilman focused on the role of every citizen in shaping environmental culture. He stressed that, despite the well-developed infrastructure for separate waste collection and waste processing facilities, the effectiveness of these measures depends directly on the conscious attitude of people. The recycling of almost half of all generated waste is the result of active citizen participation. Sergey Anatolievich called on all those present to recognise that waste sorting is a real opportunity to make a modest yet extremely important contribution to environmental preservation. The Unified Information Day at Belhydromet served as a reminder that environmental culture is not an abstract concept, but a practical responsibility of each of us for the future of our planet.

On August 20, 2026 , Belhydromet actively participated in the Unified Information Day held at the State Enterprise "Stravita." As part of the event, a dialogue platform was organized on the topic "Ecological culture – everyone's responsibility," aimed at strengthening the understanding of the importance of caring for the environment and the role of every citizen in maintaining the natural balance. The enterprise's staff were addressed by Mikhail Kavalenka , Deputy Head of Belhydromet. In his speech, he emphasized that ecological culture is not an abstract concept but a set of daily decisions and habits that shape the future of our planet. The speaker stressed that caring for nature is a shared responsibility, and everyone can contribute to environmental safety, regardless of their professional field. Special attention in the report was given to Belhydromet's contribution to ensuring environmental safety in the Republic of Belarus. Mikhail Kavalenka spoke about the key areas of the institution's work, ranging from regular monitoring of atmospheric air, surface waters, and soils to forecasting adverse and hazardous hydrometeorological phenomena. Participants learned about the radiation monitoring system in place across the country and how environmental monitoring data are used for decision-making and public protection. The open dialogue format allowed employees of the State Enterprise "Stravita" to ask questions directly. The topics that sparked the most interest included forecasting extreme weather events, interpreting environmental monitoring data, and ways to obtain up-to-date information on the state of the environment. Radiation safety issues also drew attention: the audience inquired about the current situation and the mechanisms for rapid response to potential changes in indicators. Mikhail Kavalenka provided comprehensive answers to all questions, explaining in detail the operating principles of monitoring systems, forecasting methods, and public information protocols. The speaker also highlighted the importance of disseminating accurate environmental information and urged participants to rely on official data sources to avoid spreading misinformation. The event was another step toward strengthening interagency cooperation and improving environmental literacy among the public. The open dialogue demonstrated a high level of public interest in environmental protection issues and confirmed the demand for Belhydromet's educational activities. Belhydromet will continue to actively participate in informational and educational initiatives aimed at fostering ecological culture and raising public awareness about the state of the environment and possible natural risks.

On August 19, 2026 , the National Children's Educational and Health Centre "Zubrenok" hosted a career guidance event titled "There is such a profession — protecting the Homeland from the elements!" , dedicated to the profession of hydrometeorology and its crucial role in ensuring national security. The meeting was attended by leading specialists from Belhydromet, as well as representatives of specialised universities. Among the experts were Anna Nedobega , Meteorologist Engineer 2nd Category of the Climate Change Studies Department, and Alexander Savitsky , Meteorologist Engineer 2nd Category of the Meteorological Monitoring Department. Also speaking to the children were Andrey Bryksenkov , Director of the Russian State Hydrometeorological University; Daria Mantsevich , Educational Process Support Specialist and Lecturer at the Department of General Earth Science and Hydrometeorology of Belarusian State University and Artur Koshin . The specialists told the camp participants about the multifaceted activities of Belhydromet: the children learned what tasks hydrometeorologists tackle, how forecasts are made, and why the accuracy of this data is critically important for many sectors — from agriculture and transport to emergency services. Special attention was paid to personnel training. The experts spoke about where one can obtain a hydrometeorology qualification, which subjects need to be studied to successfully enrol in specialised universities, and which skills are particularly in demand in this field. The schoolchildren were able to ask questions about career prospects, the specifics of the work, and the modern technologies used by meteorologists. An important part of the programme was a discussion on safety measures and rules of conduct during adverse and hazardous hydrometeorological phenomena. The specialists explained how to respond correctly to storm warnings, what actions can help avoid threats to health and life, and what role timely public information plays. The event was designed as a lively discussion, allowing every participant to engage directly with the experts, ask questions of interest, and receive detailed answers. This approach not only boosted the children's involvement but also helped them see the hydrometeorology profession in a new light — not as a set of routine tasks, but as responsible and socially significant work. The career guidance meeting at Zubrenok marked another step in the systematic effort to promote the hydrometeorologist profession among young people. Belhydromet will continue to develop educational initiatives aimed at attracting talented and motivated young people to the field of hydrometeorology — for it is on their future decisions and observations that the safety and well-being of our country will largely depend.

On 19 August 2026 , the head office of JSC "ASB Belarusbank" hosted a Unified Information Day (UID) on the topic "Environmental culture – everyone's responsibility." The event was held under the chairmanship of Viktor Ananich , Chairman of the Management Board of the Bank, and served as an important platform for discussing the role of every individual in preserving the environment and fostering environmentally responsible behaviour. The keynote speaker of the UID was Siarhei Khilman , Head of Belhydromet. In his address, he emphasised the close interconnection between the state of the environment, climate change and the everyday activities of society. Siarhei Khilman stressed that environmental culture is not merely a body of knowledge, but a system of values and habits that should become the norm for every citizen, regardless of their field of activity or position. During his speech, the Head of Belhydromet presented up-to-date data on the state of the environment in Belarus and outlined key environmental trends and climate changes observed in recent years. Particular attention was paid to the role of the hydrometeorological service in monitoring the state of the natural environment – from air and water quality observations to the tracking of long-term climate trends. Siarhei Khilman also highlighted the importance of timely public information on weather and environmental risks. He provided examples of how operational forecasts and warnings help minimise the consequences of adverse hydrometeorological events and facilitate informed decision-making in the economy and social sector. A separate part of the report was devoted to practical steps that every individual can take to reduce their negative impact on the environment. The speaker shared simple yet effective recommendations for developing eco-friendly habits – from resource conservation to conscious consumption and proper waste disposal. He emphasised that everyone's contribution matters and that collective efforts can lead to significant positive change. The event participants actively asked questions, showing interest in climate change projections for the coming decades, as well as in the measures being taken in the country to adapt to new climatic conditions. Sergey Khilman provided detailed answers to all questions, citing specific examples of implemented projects and current initiatives in the field of environmental monitoring and education. The Unified Information Day at JSC "ASB Belarusbank" marked another step forward in fostering environmental culture in society. The event clearly demonstrated that environmental protection issues are relevant to representatives of all sectors, including the financial sector, and require joint efforts from the state, business and citizens. Belhydromet will continue its active educational work and cooperation with various organisations in order to promote responsible attitudes towards the environment and enhance the environmental literacy of the population.

In 2026, the hydrological station "Ryta River – Malyye Radvanichi" of the "Brestoblhydromet" Branch of Belhydromet is marking a momentous date. Exactly 100 years ago, regular observations of the Ryta River regime began here, and throughout all these years, the station has remained a vital link in the region's water body monitoring system. Over 100 years of uninterrupted service , a unique wealth of data has been accumulated on water level fluctuations, temperature regimes, and ice phenomena. This information is invaluable not only for flood forecasting but also for ensuring public safety. Fyodor and Valentina Gilyazetdinov have been working at the hydrological station for over 20 years . Their work is crucial and demands total dedication, as they follow a strict schedule to monitor water levels and temperatures in all weather conditions. In addition, they maintain the beauty and order of the station's grounds. Belhydromet congratulates the hydrological station "Ryta River – Malyye Radvanichi" on its 100th anniversary! One hundred years of continuous operation represent an entire era, filled with painstaking daily work and precision - a living history in which every measurement and every indicator has become a building block in the foundation of modern hydrology. Special words of gratitude go to Fyodor and Valentina Gilyazetdinov , who have been faithfully and responsibly carrying out their watch for more than 20 years. You continue the station's glorious traditions, carefully passing on experience and maintaining the highest standards of work. We wish the station's team new achievements, stability, prosperity, and many more years of successful work. May the station's history continue, and may its contribution to science and safety remain as significant as ever! The article was prepared based on materials from the website of "Brestoblhydromet" .

On August 18 , Belhydromet hosted a working visit by a delegation from the Department of Construction Control and Supervision of the State Committee for Standardization of the Republic of Belarus. The delegation was led by First Deputy Director Yuri Bulakhov . During the visit, the guests were shown Belhydromet's key facilities, allowing them to fully appreciate the scale and significance of the institution's work. Representatives of Gosstroynadzor visited the structural divisions of the metrological service , where they were introduced to the processes ensuring measurement accuracy – the very foundation of reliable hydrometeorological observations. Of particular interest to the guests was the Belhydromet History Museum : the exhibition allowed them to trace the path of the country's hydrometeorological service from its inception to its current state, and to see how observation and forecasting methods have evolved over decades. After visiting the museum, the delegation continued its introduction to advanced meteorological technologies by heading to the Doppler weather radar . This state-of-the-art system, which was installed at Minsk National Airport between 2010 and 2023 , represents a powerful tool for monitoring atmospheric phenomena. The tour of the Doppler weather radar gave the delegation a deeper understanding of modern meteorological observation and forecasting methods, as well as an appreciation of how cutting-edge technologies contribute to safety and sustainable development. Next, the delegation learned about the work of the Department of Operational Radiation Control and Emergency Monitoring Data – one of the most critical components of the environmental safety system. The head of the department presented the mechanisms for data collection, processing, and transmission that enable a rapid response to potential threats. Equally significant part of the programme was a visit to the Department of Short‑term Weather Forecasts and Adverse and Hazardous Phenomena . Here, the guests were briefed on modern forecasting approaches and methods for timely public and agency alerts. An important element of the meeting was the discussion of a shared environmental agenda . Issues of cooperation in this area were considered within the framework of the Unified Information Day theme. The parties outlined potential areas of collaboration that would strengthen coordination of efforts in environmental monitoring and enhance environmental sustainability. The visit marked another step towards strengthening interagency cooperation and fostering experience exchange between agencies united by a common goal – ensuring the safety and well-being of the citizens of the Republic of Belarus.

A dry thunderstorm is a thunderstorm with thunder and lightning but observed without precipitation or with very little rainfall. This is the main difference between "dry" thunderstorms and ordinary ones. In fact, precipitation does occur during a dry thunderstorm, but it does not always reach the ground surface. Such thunderstorms are typically observed during the hot season, when temperatures are high and relative air humidity is low. The falling precipitation evaporates completely or partially in the hot and dry air before reaching the ground. This phenomenon is called "virga," and colloquially it may be referred to as "phantom rain" or "precipitation trails," which appear as grey streaks hanging beneath the cloud base. In August, as well as in other dry and hot summer months (and also, depending on prevailing weather conditions, in late spring and early autumn), such thunderstorms most often occur against the backdrop of severe drought and extreme heat, creating a high risk of natural fires due to lightning strikes igniting dry vegetation. The most common areas where dry thunderstorms may occur are arid regions of steppes, deserts, and mountainous areas. However, in recent years, they have also been observed in places where they were previously rare, especially during periods of extreme heat anomalies or after prolonged anticyclones. A dry thunderstorm is, in some ways, even more dangerous than a frontal or air-mass thunderstorm, because lightning under such conditions often causes large fires, and the strong winds accompanying the thunderstorm contribute to the rapid, uncontrolled spread of fire. There is no specific statistics on the number of dry thunderstorms, but due to global warming, the annual number of dry thunderstorms is increasing. According to scientists, an increase in the average annual air temperature by just 1°C raises the number of "phantom rains" by more than 10%. Several factors must coincide for a dry thunderstorm to occur: 1) "mature" cumulonimbus clouds at an altitude of 2,500 to 3,000 meters above sea level, which is not entirely typical for the latitudes of Belarus; 2) air temperatures above 30°C , when the air is so hot that raindrops simply do not reach the ground, evaporating in the atmosphere; 3) low relative air humidity (below 30-40 %). Thus, in Belarus, under conditions of prolonged hot weather, a dry thunderstorm is possible, but more often the formation of the bases of powerful cumulonimbus clouds, which are associated with thunderstorm activity, occurs at altitudes of up to 1,500 meters, and as a result, the precipitation still manages to reach the ground. However, precipitation may fall from one side of the cloud, away from the lightning discharges, giving the impression that the thunderstorm is "dry." Heat lightning is a flash of light on the horizon caused by lightning from a distant thunderstorm. In this case, thunder is usually not heard due to the distance, but lightning flashes are visible, with their light reflecting off cumulonimbus clouds. In temperate latitudes, this phenomenon is caused by the reflection of lightning flashes from cloud masses. Heat lightning can last for several hours in a row, attracting attention with its high frequency and spectacular appearance. The difference between the visible and audible effects is enormous: while thunderclaps fade out at a distance of 15-20 km from the epicenter, the reflections of the lightning itself in the night sky can be detected at distances of up to 160 km. Heat lightning is most often observed in warm, unstable tropical air masses, as well as in warm frontal zones during the evening or nighttime hours in the warm season. In late summer, in August, nights become noticeably longer and darker, making nighttime heat lightning more visible. When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

On August 17 , Belhydromet served as a venue for an open dialogue on the theme "Dialogue of initiatives: uniting ideas." The meeting focused on young professionals – those who are already taking their first confident steps in their careers while actively thinking about how to make their work and life in the country even better. The key speaker at the event was Vladislava Batura , Second Secretary of the Pervomaisky District Committee of the BRSM (Belarusian Republican Youth Union). During the meeting, she shared approaches to engaging young people in socially significant activities, spoke about ongoing projects, and highlighted opportunities for self-fulfillment available to young people. The discussion centered on critical issues : how to attract and unite working youth, what conditions need to be created to enable young professionals to actively participate in public life and contribute to the development of their industry. Special attention was paid to fostering an environment where initiative does not go unnoticed and ideas have a chance to be implemented. The main goal of the meeting was to expand opportunities for young people – to give them more room for professional growth, competence development, and informal networking that helps build connections and generate new solutions. Participants not only had the chance to hear expert opinions but also to speak out themselves, share their proposals, and raise issues of concern to them. Belhydromet reaffirms its commitment to developing human resources and creating conditions in which young people feel valued and see real prospects in their chosen profession. Such dialogues are becoming an important platform for exchanging views and seeking joint solutions – and will be held on a regular basis.

On August 17, an open dialogue was held at Belhydromet between young specialists and the institution's management. The meeting took place in the format of a constructive conversation, where everyone could voice their thoughts, ask pressing questions, and hear answers from the top officials. The speakers included Deputy Chief Mikhail Kavalenka , Lead HR specialist Polina Basalai , and Chairperson of the Primary Trade Union Organization Anastasia Zhed . This composition of experts made it possible to cover a wide range of topics – from career prospects to the nuances of labor regulation. The key discussion topics were support and the creation of conditions for the professional growth of young personnel. The management representatives emphasized that developing competencies and providing opportunities for realizing potential are among the priorities of Belhydromet's human resources policy. Special attention was paid to the development of corporate life and the activation of the youth movement: ideas were put forward for organizing thematic events, volunteer initiatives, and professional competitions that would help unite the team and unlock the talents of emerging specialists. An equally important part of the conversation was the discussion of labor discipline compliance and the role of the collective agreement as the foundation of fair and transparent labor relations. The speakers clarified the key provisions of the document and answered questions about the guarantees and social benefits available to young employees. The open dialogue clearly demonstrated that Belhydromet's youth have a clear demand for development, participation in the organization's life, and the implementation of their own initiatives. At the same time, the management shows a willingness to hear these demands, support promising ideas, and create conditions for growth. Such meetings are becoming an important platform for exchanging views, shaping common goals, and strengthening the bond between generations of specialists. After all, it is through joint discussion that the strategy for the future is born – and Belhydromet continues to build this future together with its young personnel.