On May 21, 2026, the 26th International Scientific Conference "Sakharov Readings 2026: environmental problems of the 21st century" opened in Minsk. The conference was dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster. The opening ceremony of the conference was attended by Mikhail Kavalenka , Deputy Head of Belhydromet, as a representative of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus. Mikhail Kavalenka read out a welcome address on behalf of Maxim Lysenko, First Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus, addressed to the organizers, participants, and guests of the conference. In his message, Mikhail Kavalenka, on behalf of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus and on his own behalf, congratulated everyone on the opening of the scientific conference dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident. He noted the tremendous work that specialized professionals have carried out over the past forty years to mitigate the consequences of the accident and minimize risks to the population. He expressed confidence that the exchange of knowledge and experience within the framework of the Sakharov Readings would make an important contribution to addressing global environmental challenges and strengthening international cooperation in the field of environmental protection. He wished all participants productive work, new scientific discoveries, and the successful implementation of their creative projects. Belhydromet fully joins in the congratulations to the conference participants and sincerely wishes them successful and constructive work. For his part, Mikhail Konstantinovich added that it is a great pleasure to take part in the opening of the International Scientific Conference because, over the years of its existence, the Sakharov Readings have become not only a platform for presenting relevant scientific research and developments and a venue for traditional May gatherings of like-minded people, but also a cultural phenomenon shaping the trends of the contemporary environmental agenda. The main objective of the conference is to unite the efforts of leading scientists and practitioners, university professors, postgraduates, master's students, and students from different countries to assess the impact of technical progress on the environment and human beings, as well as to develop measures to reduce the negative impact of human activity on nature. Organizers : Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus; Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus; Belarusian State University; International Sakharov Environmental Institute of Belarusian State University.

From May 19 to May 21, 2026, the 30th Jubilee Session of the Northern Eurasian Climate Forum is taking place at the Hydrometeorological Centre of Russia. The purpose of he Northern Eurasian Climate Forum is to assess current climate anomalies across the territory of Northern Eurasia by specialists from the Commonwealth of Independent States, to develop a consensus forecast of air temperature and precipitation for the upcoming season, and to discuss the potential consequences of the expected anomalies for the economy and social sphere. The primary objective of the Forum is to consolidate the efforts of scientists and specialists in the field of long-range forecasting to improve the quality of forecasts concerning the behaviour of the climate system for the forthcoming period. The programme of the 30th Jubilee Session of the Northern Eurasian Climate Forum includes presentations dedicated to the adaptation of forecasts from the Northern Eurasian Climate Centre for agricultural needs, the preparation of specialised forecasts for economic sectors on various time scales, the analysis of predictability of heat and cold waves within the season and on intraseasonal intervals, as well as the issuance of climate warnings. Specialised side events introducing the application special.meteoinfo.ru and round tables on the application of machine learning methods in long-range forecasting are also planned. Based on the outcomes of the session, consensus forecast products will be developed, key directions for further cooperation in the field of climate services will be identified, and steps towards harmonising long-range forecasting methods across Northern Eurasia will be outlined. For the purpose of effective experience exchange with the session participants — representatives of research centres and national hydrometeorological services — the event was attended by Anna Samofalova, Head of the Long-Range Forecasts Department of the Meteorological Forecasts Service of Belhydromet, and Tatyana Gil, First Category Meteorological Engineer of the Climate Change Study Department of the Meteorological and Climate Monitoring and Data Fund Service of Belhydromet, who presented a report on the accuracy of the consensus forecast of surface air temperature and precipitation anomalies for the winter of 2025/2026 in the Republic of Belarus.

Today, May 21 , the first and main day of the 81st meeting of the Joint Board of the Union State Committee on Hydrometeorology and Environmental Pollution Monitoring is taking place in the Grand Hall of the Government of the Murmansk Region . The agenda includes nine key issues covering areas of joint activity such as the results of Belarusian-Russian Antarctic expeditions, the current state and improvement of environmental pollution monitoring systems, agrometeorology, hydrological data processing, space weather, natural fires, as well as the implementation of Union State projects and the execution of previously adopted decisions. The event is attended by representatives of Belhydromet, Roshydromet, scientific circles of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation, senior officials of the Murmansk Region, and manufacturers of meteorological equipment. Welcome addresses to the participants were given by: -   Igor Shumakov , Chairman of the Joint Board, Head of Roshydromet; -   Siarhei Khilman , Deputy Chairman, Head of Belhydromet; -   Oksana Demchenko , First Deputy Governor of the Murmansk Region. In his speech, the Head of Belhydromet emphasized the importance of constructive work within the Board to develop common approaches to monitoring hazardous phenomena and developing the observation network of the Union State. "The Hydrometeorological Service of Belarus, and I personally, highly value and place great hope on the further development of bilateral cooperation between the state hydrometeorological services of Belarus and Russia. Today, we are working together on import substitution of hydrometeorological equipment, increasing the production of our own observational data, improving early warning of hazardous and adverse hydrometeorological phenomena, thereby resisting sanctions pressure. Without exaggeration, I can say that joint activities within the framework of the Union State Committee on Hydrometeorology are unique in their essence and can serve as a good example for national hydrometeorological services of neighboring and distant countries. The range of issues considered during the meetings of the Joint Board of the Union State Committee on Hydrometeorology expands year by year and is supplemented with new issues of high importance for the hydrometeorological services of Belarus and Russia," noted Siarhei Khilman . Tatsiana Chаtyrka , First Deputy Head of Belhydromet, reported on the interdepartmental system for monitoring and responding to fires in natural ecosystems using operational space information from the Belarusian Space System for Earth Remote Sensing, information systems for remote monitoring of the fire situation in the territory of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, as well as on the results of the working group's consideration of the feasibility of creating a joint test site for year-round testing of meteorological and aerological equipment. Ekaterina Istomina , Head of the Hydrology and Agrometeorology Service of Belhydromet, presented a report "On improving methods of agrometeorological monitoring and assessment of the state of agricultural crops." Aleh Dziubaila , Head of the Radiation Monitoring Service and Ulladzimir Kasyanenka , Head of the International Cooperation Department of the Ideological Work and International Cooperation Directorate, reported on the status of the Union State project "Modernization and development of the radiation monitoring system of the Union State using mobile platforms for radiometric measurements" and on the implementation of decisions adopted at previous meetings of the Joint Board with deadlines in the first half of 2026.

On May 20, the Unity Day of Information was held at Belhydromet, dedicated to current trends and new directions in the development of the tourism industry in the Republic of Belarus . Given the active development of the tourism industry, which is one of the priorities of the current five-year plan, this event served as a platform for assessing the current state of affairs and identifying vectors for further growth. Victoria Kaminskaya , Deputy Head of the Inbound Tourism and International Activities Department of the National Tourism Agency, addressed the staff. Her presentation, based on analytical data and forecasts, provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of Belarus's tourism market, its strengths, and potential growth points . The development of the tourism industry in Belarus is not merely a trend but a strategic objective embedded in the country's Socio-Economic Development Program for 2026–2030. By the end of the five-year plan, tourism's contribution to the national economy is expected to increase at least twofold, reaching 4.5%. Such an ambitious target reflects the recognition of tourism as a powerful driver of economic growth, contributing to the development of related sectors, the preservation of rich historical heritage, and natural and cultural values. Today's tourists seek more than just standard excursions. High-quality modern service, a rich entertainment component, and the opportunity to gain vivid emotions and unforgettable experiences come to the fore. This creates a growing demand for original, unique tourist routes that can satisfy the diverse interests of travelers. According to sociological survey results, five tourist sites stand out as the hallmark of Belarus. The undisputed leader is Mir Castle , receiving 18% of the votes. It is followed by Brest Fortress (14%) , Nesvizh Castle (12%) , the city of Minsk (8%)  and Belovezhskaya Pushcha (8%) . These iconic places continue to act as magnets for both domestic and international tourists. Special attention is paid to the development of: - agro-ecotourism — in 2025, over 470,000 tourists visited farmsteads; - event tourism — including festivals and celebrations; - industrial tourism — more than 130 enterprises are open for visits; - medical tourism — a 37% growth in 2025. By the end of 2025, Belarus ranked among the top three leaders in the Tourism Sustainability Development Index among CIS countries. The priority tasks remain improving the accessibility of tourist services, developing quality service, and implementing digital technologies. The development of the tourism industry remains one of the key priorities of state policy, contributing to economic growth and the preservation of the country's cultural heritage.

On May 21–22, 2026, the 81st meeting of the Joint Board of the Union State Committee on Hydrometeorology and Environmental Pollution Monitoring will take place in Murmansk . For more than 30 years, the Union State Committee on Hydrometeorology has served as a key platform for cooperation between Belarus and Russia on global trends and agendas in hydrometeorology and related fields, enhancing interaction and jointly developing state hydrometeorological services. To ensure effective exchange of experience, discussion of pressing issues, promising scientific developments, and current activities of the hydrometeorological services, as well as to foster friendly relations between the two countries, the following participants will attend the meeting: Siarhei Khilman, Head of Belhydromet and Deputy Chairman of the Joint Board; Tatsiana Chаtyrka , First Deputy Head of Belhydromet; Ekaterina Istomina , Head of the Hydrology and Agrometeorology Service; Aleh Dziubaila , Head of the Radiation Monitoring Service; and Ulladzimir Kasyanenka , Head of the International Cooperation Department of the Ideological Work and International Cooperation Directorate, and Secretary of the Joint Board in the Republic of Belarus.   In addition, the Belarusian side will be represented at the meeting by Ulladzimir Ryzhikov, Director of the State Institution "Republican Center for Polar Research"; Ulladzimir Belyakovsky, Deputy General Director of JSC Peleng; and Kirill Deynega, Deputy Head of the Research Department of the "Meteorological and Automated Systems" Research and Design Directorate of JSC Peleng.

World Metrology Day is celebrated annually on May 20 . Although the work of metrology specialists often goes unnoticed by the general public, it is fundamental to the functioning of modern society and plays a key role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of data needed for various areas of life, such as industry, healthcare, transport, energy, and scientific research. The theme of World Metrology Day 2026 — "Metrology: Strengthening Trust in Decisions"  is particularly relevant. This theme highlights the importance of accurate, reliable, and trustworthy measurements in building the objective evidence base necessary for informed and well-considered decisions at all levels of government and management. Thanks to the efforts of metrologists, a high degree of standardization and measurement accuracy is achieved, which contributes to technological development, safety, and economic stability. Belhydromet as the state hydrometeorological service of the Republic of Belarus, prioritizes metrological assurance. Accurate and reliable measurements are the foundation for producing weather forecasts, assessing the state of water resources, monitoring the environment and addressing other strategically important tasks facing the state. Our specialists continuously work to improve measurement methods and enhance the accuracy of measuring instruments used across the extensive and widespread network of hydrometeorological observations. Control over the accuracy and reliability of measurements at Belhydromet is carried out by the metrological service. The core of this service consists of accredited laboratories for state verification of measuring instruments, where barometers, atmospheric pressure sensors, air temperature and humidity sensors, as well as instruments for measuring water flow and many others, are verified. All verifiers receive training and certification at the Educational Institution "Belarusian State Institute for Advanced Training and Retraining of Personnel in Standardization, Metrology, and Quality Management" and at the Training Center "Belarusian State Accreditation Center," which ensures a high level of their professional competence and authorizes them to perform state verification. Not all measuring instruments can be transported to our institution’s metrological laboratories. Therefore, a significant portion of metrological assurance work is carried out directly at the sites where the instruments are used — at Belhydromet’s regional branches. Automated weather stations, equipped with modern sensors, collect data on various environmental parameters. To ensure their accurate operation, state verifiers from the service make field visits, using a set of reference measuring instruments and equipment to perform verification and calibration of various sensors: pressure, meteorological optical range, cloud base height, snow cover depth, soil temperature, precipitation amount and intensity, and many others. The daily work of Belhydromet’s metrologists ensures reliability, high accuracy, and uniformity of measurements. Dear colleagues in metrology! We congratulate you on your professional holiday! Your dedication, precision, and responsibility guarantee the reliable data on which our work depends and on which society relies. Thank you for your tireless efforts!

On May 15, Family Day , the Department of Ideological Work and International Cooperation organized a special event for the employees of Belhydromet — an educational tour of the Church of the Holy Right-Believing Prince Alexander Nevsky. The initiative aimed to emphasize the importance of spiritual and family values, strengthen team cohesion, and give employees an opportunity to explore the cultural and religious heritage of the country. A representative of the Belarusian Orthodox Church took part in the event, leading the tour and sharing interesting historical facts about the church. The visitors learned about key stages of its development, its architectural features and its role in the life of Minsk residents. During the tour, participants explored the church’s interior, its icons and relics, listened to a story about the parish’s spiritual mission and learned about traditions that have been preserved in the church for many years. They also had the chance to ask the church representative questions. The Church of the Holy Right-Believing Prince Alexander Nevsky is not just a place of worship but also a significant historical landmark of Minsk. Its history dates back to the late 19th century: in 1896, the church was founded in honor of Saint Alexander Nevsky near a military cemetery. The church was conceived as a memorial to soldiers who fell in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878. The tour left bright impressions on Belhydromet employees and offered them an opportunity to connect with the spiritual history of their native city, as well as to reflect on the meaning of family, traditions, and the continuity of generations.

River     Point Water level above chart datum (cm) Daily change (cm) Long-term data for May Water temperature (°C) highest level (cm) lowest level (cm) Western Dvina Surazh 328 -4 1064 54 14 Western Dvina Vitebsk 194 +5 1180 30 13 Western Dvina Ulla 672 +1 1293 56 14 Western Dvina Polotsk 322 -24 1172 155 13 Western Dvina Verkhnedvinsk 255 +7 1273 108 13 Ulla Bocheikovo 214 +3 560 141 13 Disna Sharkovshchina 157 +11 724 19 13 Drisa Dernovichi 152 +10 464 95 14 Neman Stolbtsy 108 +4 231 25 12 Neman Belitsa 133 +2 417 97 13 Neman Mosty 72 +2 499 26 13 Neman Grodno 84 -9 299 52 14 Shchara Slonim 67 -1 239 60 13 Viliya Steshitsy 218 +7 291 100 12 Viliya Mikhalishki 97 -2 245 64 11 Mukhavets Brest 33 +1 299 12 16 Lesnaya Kamenets 87 +2 218 72 13 Dnieper Orsha 139 -1 586 67 14 Dnieper Mogilev 141 -5 672 17 15 Dnieper Zhlobin 151 +7 450 51 14 Dnieper Rechitsa 186 -9 523 56 14 Dnieper Loev 244 -4 623 104 15 Berezina Borisov 168 +1 287 67 13 Berezina Berezino 207 0 369 92 14 Berezina Bobruisk 75 +7 306 -1 14 Berezina Svetlogorsk 443 +3 769 398 15 Svisloch Terebuty 414 -1 507 290 13 Sozh Krichev 114 +4 365 54 13 Sozh Slavgorod 108 +3 440 36 14 Sozh Gomel 172 -7 729 37 16 Besed Svetilovichi 174 -6 326 72 16 Pripyat Pinsk (Lyubansky gauge) 24 -2 291 10 15 Pripyat Chernichi 280 0 574 197 14 Pripyat Petrikov 501 -5 861 402 15 Pripyat Mozyr 146 -5 594 52 15 Pripyat Narovlya 169 -4 - - 15 Pina Pinsk 103 -2 325 95 18 Horyn Malye Vikorovichi 196 0 540 153 15 Sluch Lenin 101 +1 258 4 13 Ubort Krasnoberezhye 125 +3 310 66 15 Ptich P. Slobodka 243 -1 377 175 14 When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory  

On May 15, our country will join the global community in celebrating Family Day. This is a special occasion to remember the most important value in every person's life – those who give us strength, love and support. The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Belarus has prepared an extensive program of events covering all corners of the country and designed to highlight the importance of family values. From May 11 to 30, various initiatives will take place across Belarus : a counseling week titled "Everything for the Family," during which specialists from the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection together with the Ministry of Health will provide professional assistance; a regional contest "Patriots Online" in the Grodno region ; and a series of lectures called "The School of Responsible Parenting" for work and school groups . The week from May 11 to 17 will be filled with celebrations honoring family anniversaries under the banner "The Hearth Where Love Lives," official receptions in honor of recipients of the Order of Mother, as well as festivities in parks and sports grounds. Special attention will be given to May 15. A forum titled "Family: Today, Tomorrow, and Always" will take place at the National Library of Belarus . The Ministry of Justice and the Notary Chamber will hold a free legal consultation campaign for mothers of many children and mothers of children with disabilities . The "Happy Moments" family festival will be held in the Baranovichi district , and a dialogue platform for families with children with disabilities will take place in the Vitebsk region . The Gomel region will host the regional family celebration "Belarus – This is US!" while the Minsk region will hold a round table discussion on "Family Values in Belarus." A festival for twins and doubles, "Double Happiness," will unfold at the Stolitsa shopping center in the capital. On May 15-16, the Volozhin district will host the republican family festival "TOGETHER." From May 15 to 17, all civil registry offices across the country will offer congratulations on Family Day during birth registrations, marriage ceremonies, and anniversary weddings. On May 16, a religious procession in honor of the family is planned in Minsk . On May 18, an exhibition titled "Women's Portrait" will open in Brest . Many other events, including educational projects, forums, scientific-practical conferences, and, of course, family celebrations, will take place throughout May, reaffirming that the family is the foundation of Belarusian society, a source of strength and inspiration. Information prepared based on materials from sb.by Belarus' Segodnya

May 15 marks the International Climate Day. This day cannot be considered a celebration in the full sense; it is dedicated not to festivities, but to education. It calls upon all inhabitants of the planet to pay attention to the critical issue of climate change. In 2026, the global theme for the day is the "Era of Implementation," with the motto "From promises to action." This leitmotif emphasizes the shift from declarations and plans to concrete steps in combating climate change. Over recent decades, the world has adopted numerous international agreements and national strategies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change. However, the key challenge today lies not in devising new plans, but in their practical implementation. The "Era of implementation" calls for intensified efforts at all levels: from global policy and national programs to local initiatives and individual responsibility. This is a time to mobilize resources, introduce innovative technologies, and strengthen international cooperation to achieve ambitious climate goals. Our task is not merely to talk about the climate, but to take real steps towards adaptation and mitigation, ensuring a sustainable future. Belarus joins the global community in marking the International Climate Day. Belhydromet, as an organization subordinate to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus, contributes to the achievement of climate goals at both national and international levels. National efforts include monitoring climatic conditions across the Republic of Belarus and their impact on weather-dependent economic sectors, providing climate information to key economic sectors, active international cooperation, as well as educational and outreach activities on climate change. On the International Climate Day, conferences, seminars, and lectures on combating climate change are held. Activists organize flash mobs and campaigns to urge not only ordinary people but also companies and the state to make efforts in the fight against climate change. On this day, all those who care can contribute to the fight against climate change. This can be easily done even at an individual level: one can participate in a community cleanup day, plant trees or shrubs, collect trash, and so on. Every step matters! By joining forces — from state-level decisions to the daily habits of each person — we can turn the slogan "From Promises to Action" into tangible results. The future of the Earth's climate depends on us: on the decisions we make and the actions we take right now. Let us not postpone caring for the planet until tomorrow — let's start acting today!