April 2nd marks the Day of Unity of the Peoples of Belarus and Russia , a holiday that highlights the deep ties between our countries. An important part of this cooperation takes place in the field of hydrometeorology and environmental monitoring. Origins and Development of Cooperation Cooperation between Belarus and Russia in the field of hydrometeorology has its roots in the Soviet era. With the formation of the Union State, it received a new impetus and became an important factor in the sustainable functioning of both countries – especially in matters of security. The warm relations between the presidents of our states create a favorable backdrop for the development of integration processes in all spheres, including hydrometeorological, environmental and radiation safety. Why is this important? Hydrometeorological support and environmental monitoring are key factors for the sustainable development of any state, especially in the face of contemporary climate challenges. The joint efforts of Belarus and Russia are of strategic importance for: - ensuring hydrometeorological, environmental and radiation safety; - maintaining economic stability; - strengthening defense capabilities; - improving the well-being of citizens. Since hydrometeorological processes do not recognize state borders, the interaction between our countries is of particular importance. Current Tasks Today, specialists from Belarus and Russia face ambitious tasks: - improving the quality of hydrometeorological forecasts; - modernizing environmental and radiation monitoring systems; - adapting to climate change; - minimizing the negative consequences of hazardous natural phenomena. To address these challenges, it is necessary to intensify the exchange of data, technologies and experience between our countries. Implemented Union State Programs A number of important activities and projects have been implemented within the framework of the Union State, aimed at improving the efficiency of hydrometeorological support. Key areas include: - creating a unified information space; - developing early warning systems; - training qualified personnel. Over the years, four large-scale programs have been successfully implemented: The program launched in 1998  laid the foundation for improving a unified technology for obtaining, collecting, analyzing and forecasting hydrometeorological information. During this period, systematic computerization of the Belarusian hydrometeorological service began – a true breakthrough in its development. The 2003–2006 program  was a logical continuation of the first program and was aimed at developing the environmental monitoring system. The 2007–2011 program  focused on introducing new technologies for measuring, forecasting, collecting and transmitting hydrometeorological information. Thirty-eight projects were implemented under the program. The result was improved forecast accuracy and better hydrometeorological support for all sectors of the economy – from agriculture to industry and transport. The 2017–2021 program "Development of the Hydrometeorological Safety System of the Union State"  was aimed at increasing the level of protection of the economy and citizens from the impact of hazardous natural phenomena, as well as adapting to climate change. Key projects included: - development of the RECASS NT software package; - creating a system for forecasting hazardous weather phenomena; - developing a climate service system; - implementing GIS technologies. Prospects and Current Initiatives After the completion of the programs, work does not stop. Currently: - new strategic tasks are being considered; - databases are being populated; - modern systems are being implemented; - information exchange is taking place; - radar systems of the two countries have been integrated into a common network, allowing for rapid response to weather challenges. The Day of Unity of the Peoples of Belarus and Russia reminds us of the importance of working together. Cooperation in the field of hydrometeorology is not just a formality, but a real tool for ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens. Joint work by specialists from Belarus and Russia makes it possible to: - maintain the high quality of hydrometeorological services in our states; - ensure environmental and radiation safety; - contribute to the sustainable development of our countries. We are confident that further strengthening of partnership within the Union State will open up new opportunities for addressing pressing challenges in the field of hydrometeorology and environmental protection. Happy holiday, friends! May the unity of our peoples become a guarantee of prosperity and stability!

In today's world, full of stress and challenges, taking care of one's own mental health is becoming not just desirable but essential. Belhydromet urges the active formation of a healthy lifestyle as a foundation for preventing many negative conditions, including suicidal tendencies. Physical health as the foundation of mental balance Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep form a triple blow against stress and anxiety. Physical exercise stimulates the production of endorphins – natural antidepressants – while proper nutrition provides the brain with the necessary elements for normal functioning. Sleep deprivation, on the other hand, depletes our resources, making us more vulnerable to life's difficulties. The importance of social support and emotional openness The absence of isolation and the presence of strong social connections are crucial factors for mental health. The support of family, friends, and colleagues is an invaluable resource. Do not be afraid to talk about your feelings and share your experiences. An honest conversation can be the first step toward solving a problem and preventing tragic consequences. Suicide prevention: acting together Suicide is a complex problem, but it is preventable. Belhydromet reminds you: if you or someone close to you is experiencing difficulties, do not stay alone with the trouble. There are helplines and specialists ready to provide professional help. It is important to create an atmosphere where it is not shameful to talk about problems and where seeking help feels natural. Caring for yourself and those around you is an investment in our shared healthy future.

During the spring school break, specialists from Belhydromet, as part of the Action Plan for cooperation between organizations subordinate to Ministry of natural resources and environmental protection of the Republic of Belarus and educational institutions of Minsk, conducted practical lessons for students from specialized engineering‑oriented classes. The participants were pupils from Gymnasiums No.19 and No.21, as well as Secondary Schools No.52 and No.161. The events were organized within the framework of the elective course curriculum “Fundamentals of Sustainable Resource Management and Conservation of Natural Resources.” The goal was to give students a hands‑on opportunity to learn about the different types of environmental monitoring and to understand how the data collected helps protect the environment. During visits to observation sites with discrete sampling modes, specialists from the Environmental Monitoring Service of Belhydromet demonstrated the key stages of the work to the students: - the process of collecting ambient air samples using absorption devices; - collecting samples on filters. The students not only observed the professionals at work but also asked questions about how to interpret the data, what factors affect air quality, and how monitoring results are used to inform environmental decisions. “Such meetings help students see the connection between academic subjects and real‑world professional activity,” noted Olga Gavrilenko, Head of the Environmental Monitoring Service at Belhydromet. Belhydromet plans to continue organizing such events in the future as they represent an important part of career guidance and environmental education for young people.

On March 26, Belhydromet welcomed students in grades 10–11 from schools in Minsk studying under geography‑focused programs. The visit was organized to introduce future specialists to the work of the hydrometeorological service and to inspire them to pursue a career in their chosen field. The meeting began with a presentation by Georgy Kamlyuk , a leading meteorological engineer from the Service for Meteorological and Climate Monitoring, Database. He outlined the history of the hydrometeorological service, emphasizing its importance for the country and its contribution to ensuring the safety and well‑being of citizens. After the theoretical part, the students visited the automatic meteorological site. There, they were introduced to meteorological instruments and learned how they help collect accurate data on atmospheric conditions. Another engaging part of the tour was led by Marina Luksha , Deputy Head of the Weather Forecasting Service. She explained to the students how weather forecasts are made: from the collection of primary data to the final forecast that the country’s residents see. The students learned about modern forecasting technologies and methods, as well as the importance of accuracy and timeliness in the work of forecasters. The visit concluded with a round‑table discussion with the management and leading specialists of Belhydromet. During the conversation, experts shared their professional experience, discussed the key tasks of the service, current challenges, and the future prospects of hydrometeorology. The students had the opportunity to ask questions and receive valuable advice on the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in the field. Belhydromet extends its gratitude to the students and teachers for their interest and hopes that such events will become a good tradition, helping to attract talented young people to the field of hydrometeorology.

Dear subscribers and friends of nature! Belhydromet announces subscriptions for the second quarter of the popular science socio-political magazine "Rodnaya Pryroda" (Native Nature) . This authoritative source of information on the state of the environment, the richness of natural resources, and current environmental issues in Belarus invites you to join its readership. The magazine "Rodnaya Pryroda" (Native Nature) is more than just a publication – it is a true guide to the amazing world of nature. In every issue, you will find in-depth and comprehensive materials covering the most pressing topics, from biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources to environmental education and awareness. Articles written by leading scientists and specialists from environmental institutions will help you better understand the complexities of natural processes and learn about the latest advances in environmental management and policy. The magazine offers a variety of sections, each dedicated to a specific aspect of human-nature interaction: "Green School," "Ecotourism," "Eco-Workshop," "Biodiversity," "Red Book," "Eco-Technologies," "Green Pharmacy," and "Ecology and Law." Special attention is given to the special edition "Young Naturalist," which is aimed at the younger generation and makes exploring nature engaging and educational. Subscriptions for the second quarter of 2026 are open. You can subscribe in any convenient way : - through Belpochta post offices and on the Belpost.by website; - through the automated ERIP system; - at periodical distribution points, such as shops. Subscription indices: 74926 – individual 749262 – institutional 74927 – reduced-rate individual for teachers and employees of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection 74928 – reduced-rate institutional for the systems of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Natural Resources. By subscribing to "Rodnaya Pryroda" (Native Nature) you not only enrich your knowledge of nature but also make a personal contribution to fostering environmental culture and the sustainable development of our country. Become part of a large community of people who care about the future of their native land. We are confident that the magazine "Rodnaya Pryroda" (Native Nature) will become your trusted companion in studying and understanding the world around you.  We look forward to welcoming you among our subscribers!

On March 25, 2026, Belhydromet opened its doors to participants of the educational project “Student for a Week.” The event was part of the project’s 20th anniversary season, which has been running at Belarusian State University (BSU) from March 23 to 27, 2026. On this day, Belhydromet welcomed a group of students majoring in “Nuclear and Radiation Safety” from the International Sakharov Environmental Institute of BSU. One of the key objectives of the visit was to familiarize future specialists with the work of the departments directly responsible for radiation monitoring and meteorological forecasting in the country. During the visit, the students toured the following Belhydromet divisions: - the Radiation Monitoring Service , where participants learned about radiation level control methods, modern instruments, and systems for tracking the radiation situation. Belhydromet specialists demonstrated how data is collected and analyzed and spoke about response measures in the event of any detected anomalies; - the   Short-Term Weather Forecasts, Adverse and Hazardous Phenomena Department  of the Weather Forecasting Service, where students became acquainted with weather forecasting technologies, learned about working with meteorological data, and explored the use of specialized software. They were shown how forecasts are developed and disseminated daily through the media and a mobile application. The visit was an important step in the professional orientation of the students. Future specialists were able to see the inner workings of an institution that could become their future workplace, ask questions to leading experts in hydrometeorology and radiation control, and understand how the theoretical knowledge acquired at university is applied in practice. The students expressed their gratitude to Belhydromet staff for the warm welcome and detailed explanations. Some noted that the event strengthened their interest in the profession and gave them insight into the real-world tasks faced by specialists in radiation safety and meteorology. This event represents another step in strengthening partnerships between Belhydromet and educational institutions. Such meetings contribute to the training of qualified personnel and raise awareness among young people about the importance of work in the fields of ecology, meteorology, and radiation safety. We are pleased to share our experience and knowledge with future professionals!

On March 25, an event dedicated to sanitary cleanup, landscaping, and tidying was held on the territory of Belhydromet. Members of such public organizations as the trade union, the Belarusian Union of Women, and the Belaya Rus public association , took an active part in the initiative. This became a vivid demonstration of unity and care for the environment. Through joint efforts, the Belhydromet team transformed the adjacent area by: - cleaning lawns and flower beds of last year’s leaves and dry branches; - tidying up pedestrian paths. Natalia Alekhnovich , Head of the Facility Maintenance Section, Deputy Chairperson of the Primary Trade Union Organization of Belhydromet, and the event coordinator, emphasized the high level of staff engagement: “Today, everyone contributed to a shared cause. It is gratifying to see how, through collective effort, we are making our grounds not only cleaner but also more welcoming . This is not just about cleanup, it is an expression of care for the place where we spend a significant part of our time,” she commented.  Holding such events has become a good tradition at Belhydromet. These initiatives not only improve the appearance of the grounds but also strengthen team spirit by uniting staff around a common socially meaningful goal.

Today, March 24, the scientific and practical conference "Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow" was held at the headquarters of Belhydromet, timed to coincide with World Meteorological Day. The event brought together leading specialists in the field of hydrometeorology, climatologists, hydrologists, and representatives of related scientific disciplines. The program covered a wide range of topics, from the application of machine learning methods in weather forecasting and the study of intense convective processes to the assessment of climate change, hydrological risks, and adaptation strategies. Opening the conference, Siarhei Khilman , Head of Belhydromet, warmly congratulated his colleagues on the recent professional holiday. He also shared the progress made by Belhydromet specialists in modernizing the observation network and improving forecast information to ensure hydrometeorological safety for citizens, while emphasizing the importance of holding such events. “The theme of our scientific and practical conference is "Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow." This is not merely a slogan proposed by the World Meteorological Organization. It is a profound principle to be embraced: by observing today, we are not only making forecasts, we are protecting the future, the generations to come, and our planet. Belhydromet continuously works to improve forecast information, tailoring its content to the specific needs of users and ensuring it is accessible and comprehensible. However, it is worth noting that only collective efforts will allow us to effectively respond to the challenges posed by climate change. Our scientific and practical conference is a unique opportunity to listen to one another, see the bigger picture, and identify where our efforts can intersect and contribute to a shared outcome. Our meeting is a step toward uniting knowledge and experience.” The conference was particularly enriched by the participation of international specialists, which served as a clear testament to the demand for professional, multifaceted dialogue, including on the Belarusian platform. Among the foreign participants was Aleksandr Sprygin , a representative of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Research and Production Association “Typhoon” (Russian Federation), who personally visited Belhydromet and delivered a presentation on the study of intense convective processes over the East European Plain. Colleagues from the Federal State Budgetary Institutions “State Hydrological Institute”, Scientific Research Center of Space Hydrometeorology “Planeta”, “All-Russian Research Institute of Hydrometeorological Information – World Data Center”, and “Voeikov Main Geophysical Observatory” joined the event online, with their presentations becoming an integral part of the conference’s robust scientific agenda. The conference’s broad geographic reach was further enhanced by specialists from the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Republic of Armenia , who presented their reports online. Participation by representatives of Belarusian institutions, such as the Belarusian State University, the Republican Center for Control and Response to Emergency Situations of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and the Institute of Nature Management of the National Academy of Sciences , was no less significant, underscoring the interagency nature of the issues discussed. Upon conclusion of the event, all speakers were awarded participation certificates . In the context of global climate change, with extreme phenomena becoming increasingly intense, it is precisely the collaborative efforts of scientists, forecasters, hydrologists, and climatologists that serve as the primary tool for safeguarding the future. The outcomes of the conference “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow” allow us to confidently affirm: weather knows no borders, but it has a steadfast alliance of those who study it.  

Belhydromet presents current data on the state of ambient air in the capital based on observations from automatic monitoring stations. Observation results During the period from March 23 and the first half of March 24, 2026 , slight exceedances of hygienic air quality standards were recorded for the following indicators: - particulate matter (fraction up to 2.5 microns, fine dust); - nitrogen oxide. An increase in nitrogen oxide concentrations was observed in the morning hours — during peak traffic intensity. No exceedances of maximum permissible concentrations were detected for other pollutants. Causes of increased pollution in spring The annual rise in particulate matter (dust) content in the air during spring is due to a combination of factors: - fires in natural ecosystems and the transport of smoke; - emissions from fuel combustion (mobile and stationary sources); - industrial processes; - road surface abrasion; - wear of automobile tires. Meteorological conditions The formation of unfavorable conditions for pollutant dispersion was influenced by the anticyclonic weather pattern established in March: - a prolonged period of warm and dry weather with a lack of precipitation, hindering the natural settling of suspended particles; - calm weather with descending air currents, preventing turbulent air mixing; - the formation of surface inversions; - the influx of smoke from natural fires (according to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, an increase in the number of such cases has been recorded recently). These factors contributed to the accumulation of pollutants in the surface layer of the air, which is why Minsk residents may have noticed an unpleasant smell of smoke in various parts of the city. Measures taken In order to reduce anthropogenic pressure and regulate emissions, Belhydromet took the following actions: - on the morning of March 23, a first-category warning about adverse meteorological conditions was sent to major industrial and motor transport enterprises in Minsk; - enterprises received recommendations on adjusting operational modes to minimize emissions during periods conducive to pollutant accumulation. Belhydromet continues to monitor the ambient air quality in Minsk and urges citizens to be environmentally conscious, especially during periods of adverse meteorological conditions. When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

Dear colleagues, dear veterans of the Hydrometeorological Service! I wholeheartedly congratulate you on our professional holiday — the Day of the Hydrometeorological Service of the Republic of Belarus! This day is special for each of us. It provides an opportunity to express sincere gratitude to everyone who, through their professional work, ensures the safety and well-being of our citizens every day. Our Service is not just a network of stations and laboratories. It is a well-coordinated mechanism where every specialist contributes to a mission of utmost importance: providing accurate forecasts, issuing timely warnings about hazardous phenomena, and supplying the country with reliable information about the state of the environment. Thanks to your professionalism, farmers plan their planting campaigns, transport workers ensure traffic safety, rescuers prepare for potential emergencies, and ordinary people receive up-to-date weather information. I extend special words of gratitude to the veterans of the Service. Your experience, wisdom, and dedication to the profession have become the foundation of modern Belarusian hydrometeorology. You have passed on to the current generation not only knowledge but also an understanding of the responsibility inherent in our work. Today, we are rightfully proud of the achievements of Belhydromet. We are implementing cutting-edge technologies, expanding our network of automated weather stations, and developing international cooperation. But our greatest wealth is our people: meteorologists, weather forecasters, hydrologists, climatologists, agrometeorologists, chemists, radiometrists, technicians, programmers, and analysts. On this festive day, I wish you all robust health, professional success, accurate forecasts, and the stable development of our departments. May the weather always be favorable to you — both at work and in your personal lives! Respectfully, Head of Belhydromet S.A.Khilman