Winter is a time when we often notice the air becoming denser, harder to breathe, and visibility worsening. These aren't just our perceptions, but a real phenomenon linked to a combination of factors. During the winter period, an anticyclone – an area of high atmospheric pressure characterized by weak or absent winds – often settles in. When there is no wind, emissions from transport, industrial plants, and heating systems remain "trapped" in the ground layer of the atmosphere. The heating season also noticeably increases during the cold period, leading to greater emissions of pollutants. However, the main culprit for the deterioration of air quality in winter remains transportation. In cold weather, internal combustion engines operate less efficiently. Warming them up requires more fuel, and the combustion process can be incomplete, leading to increased emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. Tire wear on slippery roads also produces fine rubber dust. And the reagents used on roads to combat ice can, upon interaction with exhaust gases and moisture, form new, more toxic compounds. Combating winter air pollution requires a comprehensive approach. At the state level, this includes tightening environmental standards for industrial enterprises and transport, incentivizing the transition to cleaner fuels, and developing renewable energy sources. Implementing modern emission purification systems at boiler houses and factories, as well as developing "green" infrastructure in cities, such as parks and green spaces, can significantly improve air quality. Information prepared based on materials from the website of the "Grodnooblhydromet" branch .

On February 2 , daily minimum air temperature records were broken at several weather stations at once. At the Vysokoye meteorological station (hereinafter - MS), the thermometer dropped to -24.2℃ , which is lower than the previous record from 2012 (-23.8℃). At MS Stolbtsy, -26.9℃ was recorded (the previous record, also from 2012, was -25.1℃). At MS Gantsevichi , the temperature reached -28.9℃ (compared to -27.4℃ in 2012). In Oshmyany , -27.8℃ was recorded (the previous record was -27.7℃ in 2012). The lowest temperature on February 2 was registered at MS Polesye – -31.1℃ , which is significantly lower than the previous record from 2012 (-27.8℃). It should be noted that the absolute minimum air temperature for February 2 was recorded in 1970 at the Grodno Automated Meteorological and Geophysical Station (AMGS) (-33.4℃) . In addition, on February 1, a daily record was broken at the Mstislavl weather station, where the temperature dropped to -23.8℃ (the previous record from 2012 was -22.8℃). It is important to note that the Mstislavl station has been conducting observations since 2008. When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

Dear residents and guests of the capital! The Republican Center for Hydrometeorology, Control of Radioactive Contamination and Environmental Monitoring (Belhydromet) invites you to an Open Doors Day to be held on January 23, 2026. On this significant day, you will have a unique opportunity to look behind the scenes of one of the most important environmental organizations in the country. You will learn how weather observations are conducted, how forecasts are made, and how the state of the environment in Belarus is monitored. The Open Doors Day at Belhydromet is a great opportunity to get reliable first–hand information, broaden your horizons and learn more about the importance of the hydrometeorological service for our country. We invite everyone! For inquiries, please call: 80297004571 from 8.30 to 17.00

On January 21, students specialising in "Engineering Ecology" from the National Children's Technopark visited Belhydromet. The excursion became a fascinating journey into the world of meteorology and radiation safety. The first stop was the radiation monitoring service, where Alla Shaybak, head of the Operational Data Department for Radiation Monitoring and Emergency Situations, immersed the children in the intricacies of radiation monitoring in Belarus. The pupils learned about modern methods and technologies used to control the radiation situation. Then the young environmentalists went to the meteorological forecasting service. Matvey Chatyrka, a leading weather engineer , shared the secrets of making weather forecasts, explaining the work of synoptic meteorologists and the use of modern models and data. The final stage was a meeting with meteorological engineers Anna Nedobega and Alexander Savitsky . The specialists provided a detailed account of the wide range of activities undertaken by Belhydromet, the significance of meteorologists' work for various economic sectors and society, as well as the collection, processing, and storage of climate data. The excursion to Belgidromet became an educational event for young environmentalists, which demonstrated the close relationship between the theoretical knowledge acquired within the walls of the National Children's Technopark and their practical application in real professional activities. This served as tangible confirmation of the importance of their chosen field of study and its promising role in addressing current environmental challenges.

As part of the regular monitoring of atmospheric air conducted by Belhydromet, on January 21 in Minsk , an analysis of air samples showed that the level of nitrogen oxide remains slightly elevated. Excess of established hygiene standards was recorded in 5 points of the city: 110a Nezavisimosti Ave., 23 Timiryazeva St., 50 Radialnaya St., Uruchye microdistrict and Korzhenevski St. The maximum concentration of nitrogen oxide at 12:00 was 2.4 MPC. Also, according to the data for January 20, there was a slight excess (1.2 times) of the average daily maximum permissible concentration for solid particles, fractions up to 2.5 μm (fine dust). These indicators are related to current meteorological conditions, including windless weather and surface inversion, which make it difficult for pollutants to naturally disperse into the atmosphere. Warnings about adverse meteorological conditions are still in effect for large industrial and motor transport enterprises in Minsk in order to implement measures to reduce the anthropogenic impact on the environment. Belhydromet continues to continuously monitor the situation and promptly informs interested parties. When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

According to Belhydromet, as of January 20, 2026 , the radiation situation in the area of influence of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant remains stable. No excess over the long-term steady-state values was recorded. Gamma radiation dose rate levels in the Chernobyl NPP impact zone: Bragin - 0.34 mSv/h, Vasilevichi - 0.11 mSv/h, Zhitkovichi - 0.10 mSv/h, Mozyr - 0.10 mSv/h. There are 41 dosimetric stations operating on the territory of the Republic of Belarus, where daily measurements of the dose rate of gamma radiation are carried out.  In the southern territories of the Republic of Belarus (Gomel and Brest regions), measurements are carried out every 3 hours. Furthermore, an Automated Radiation Monitoring System (ARMS) operates within the Republic of Belarus in the zones influenced by nuclear power plants. It comprises 33 automated measuring stations. Data on gamma radiation dose rates from these stations are transmitted automatically every 10 minutes to the department of operational data for radiation monitoring and emergency situations of the Belhydromet Radiation monitoring service, whose personnel work around the clock. When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

In connection with the information disseminated on the Internet, Belhydromet publishes an official commentary on the situation with the quality of atmospheric air in Minsk. About the reliability of data from third-party sources: First of all, we would like to draw your attention to the fact that the information published in the Telegram channel's post isn't based on data obtained from the air monitoring observation points of the National Environmental Monitoring System in the Republic of Belarus. Belhydromet doesn't have information on the compliance of measuring instruments used to assess air quality and displayed on the specified map with the requirements of national legislation on ensuring the uniformity of measurements, as well as on the degree of reliability of the data obtained. Official data of Belhydromet: According to the results of observations at automatic stations for continuous measurement of the content of priority pollutants in the atmospheric air located in Minsk, on January 19, no cases of exceeding the standards of maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) for pollutants in the atmospheric air were recorded. The situation on the morning of January 20, 2026: As of 10.00 a.m. on January 20, in the morning in 4 districts of the city: 110a Nezavisimosti Ave., 23 Timiryazeva St., 50 Radialnaya St. and Uruchye microdistrict, an increase in the level of nitrogen oxide air pollution was noted, the maximum of which reached 2.5 MPC from single concentrations. Causes of increased concentration of pollutants: The increase in air pollution is related to the prevailing meteorological conditions. A surface inversion is observed in Minsk, a phenomenon in which retaining layers are formed that prevent the removal of pollutants into the upper atmosphere and contribute to their accumulation in the surface air layer. Warning to enterprises: Warnings about unfavourable meteorological conditions have been issued to major industrial and automotive transport enterprises in Minsk to reduce anthropogenic impact on the environment. Where to obtain current information?: Real-time observation results on the state of atmospheric air can be viewed on Belhydromet's websites: www.rad.org.b y and www.risamos.by Belgidromet urges citizens to trust only official sources of information and keep an eye on updates on our information resources! When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

On the night of January 20 , the meteorological stations of Belarus recorded temperatures that were slightly higher than on the traditional Epiphany night. According to observations by Belhydromet, the minimum air temperature ranged from -14.3°C in Vitebsk; up to -25.3°C in Klichev. Currently, none of the country's weather stations has recorded record temperatures for January 20th. The absolute minimum for this date has remained unchanged since 2006, when a temperature of -31.2°C was recorded in Yezerishche. When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

Epiphany night turned out to be really frosty this year! While some brave Belarusians performed the traditional ablution in the ice hole, nature was testing temperature records. According to the Belhydromet network of weather stations, the minimum air temperature on the night of Epiphany ranged from -15.1°C in Vitebsk to an impressive -28.1°C in Klichevo! This is a record low temperature for Epiphany night for this point. The previous record, set in 2014, was -25.2°C. But Klichev is not the only record holder of this frosty night!  - Berezino – new record -25.2°C (previous record in 2006 -25.1°C); - Bobruisk – a new record of -26.0 °C (the previous one in 2021 was -25.9 °C); - Ivatsevichi – repeated the record of 2006 with -22.5 °C. Despite local records, the absolute record for January 19 in Belarus as a whole has stood. It still belongs to the Yezerishche weather station, where in 2006 the thermometer dropped to -30.7 °C. Stay tuned for our updates to always be aware of the weather changes! When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

The main culprits of bad weather are cyclones , gigantic atmospheric vortices spanning thousands of kilometres. And like real "stars", they have their own names. The practice of naming cyclones began during the Second World War for simplicity and is now managed by international meteorological organisations. This helps with forecasts and alerts. Here are some of the most memorable ones: - "Xavier" (March 2013). This cyclone entered history as one of the most powerful natural disasters. During its influence, many areas of the republic received 5-15 cm of fresh snow, with localised accumulations of 16-32 cm. By the morning of 16 March, snow depth ranged from 13 to 61 cm. In some places, up to 164% of the monthly average snowfall was recorded within a single day. - "Danielle" (January 2016). This cyclone brought a "snow apocalypse" across the entire republic. It delivered unprecedented snowfalls and blizzards, particularly in the northeast. On 12 January 2016, many areas received approximately half of the monthly average precipitation; the Vitebsk weather station recorded 34 mm. The average snow accumulation following the cyclone's passage was 8-20 cm. The northeastern regions were most affected, with Vitebsk receiving an additional 25 cm of snow and Minsk 21 cm. - "Bella" (December 2020). Instead of snow, this cyclone bestowed an armour of ice. For instance, the Orsha weather station observed severe glaze ice with an accretion layer diameter of 20 mm. Furthermore, in January 2026 , the country was visited by Cyclone " Ulli " , which added locally up to 42 cm of snow in some areas across the republic. So, the next time the weather presents a surprise, remember: this spell of severe weather most likely has a name. This article has been prepared using materials from the Branch "Vitebskoblhydromet" and the Service for Meteorological and Climate Monitoring of Belhydromet. When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory