Ekaterina Istomina, head of the hydrology and agrometeorology service of Belhydromet: The agrometeorological conditions for the growth and development of agricultural crops in the past agricultural year in Belarus were not easy. The growing season was accompanied by a number of unfavorable and dangerous hydrometeorological phenomena, which significantly affected the agro-industrial complex of the country. Adverse effects of the growing season Prolonged and intense frosts caused serious damage to agriculture in the spring . They were particularly affected: - fruit trees and shrubs; - crops on peat bogs and in relief depressions; - winter cereals (primarily barley); - winter rapeseed and winter wheat; - herbs (primarily alfalfa); - spring grains and legumes; - flax; - sprouted corn , etc . The dead crops had to be replanted, and a complex of restorative agrotechnical measures was carried out in the damaged areas. The situation was complicated in the summer : - frequent rains; - high humidity in the air and soil (made haymaking difficult); - development of diseases (required regular phytosanitary control and protective measures); - unstable weather during the mass grain harvest; - lodging of crops due to heavy rains; - increased grain moisture (reduced the rate of harvesting). The impact of weather conditions on different crops Heat-loving crops (maize/corn, vegetables with high heat requirements) experienced a deficit of effective heat. Cereal crops (ears), flax, root vegetables and late vegetables were positively influenced by the relatively low-temperature regime. In July , rains maintained good and high soil moisture reserves across most areas. However, in some districts of the southern part of the republic, productive soil moisture reserves decreased to satisfactory and even low levels. Vitebsk region faced excessive soil moisture after heavy precipitation: waterlogging was observed, some crops perished due to water saturation, and the condition of cereal crops was assessed as satisfactory or poor. Shifts in the growing season Due to the difficult weather conditions, the development of crops was lagging behind the usual deadlines.: - the first cutting of grass is 1-2 weeks later than last year's figures; - simultaneous ripening of winter rapeseed and grain ears (created tension during harvesting); - significant delay in the ripening of corn. Harvest and wintering results Despite the unfavorable conditions, with the observance of cultivation technologies, it was possible to obtain a good harvest : - grain and leguminous crops; - sugar beet; - flax fibers. Over the past period, wintering has been carried out without critical events for most wintering crops: in January, the soil temperature at the depth of the tillering node for winter cereals was -1 - 5 C (in the east of the Brest region to -8 C); Partial damage to winter rapeseed is possible only in the south‑west of Belarus (with scant or absent snow cover). Details are available on the YouTube channel of the National Press Centre of the Republic of Belarus. When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

In the era of digital technology,  it's easy to get lost in the flow of information. However, when it comes to weather, the price of error can be high - from a ruined picnic to a threat to life. In this regard, it is critically important to focus on reliable sources. As emphasised by Marina Gritskevich, head of the meteorological forecasting service , emphasizes, trusting the official data of Belhydromet, citizens receive not just a forecast — they receive a tool for safe and informed decision-making. Belhydromet is the only official source of hydrometeorological information in the Republic of Belarus. In 2025, the agency's work was focused on: - improving weather forecasting; - maintaining high justifiability of forecasts; - prompt informing of the population and organizations about adverse events. Warning statistics in 2025 Over the past year, Belhydromet has issued 143 warnings about adverse hydrometeorological events (orange danger level). Distribution by season: - summer — 64 warnings (June: 21, July: 28, August: 15). - winter — 19 warnings (December: 7, January: 12, February: 0). The phenomena most frequently mentioned in warnings were: - thunderstorm — 51 times; - heavy rains — 39 times; - wind — 40 times; - squall — 34 times; - fog — 30 times; - high temperatures (≥ 30 °C) — 19 times; - hail and heavy rains — 14 times; - freezing — 9 times; - blizzard, very heavy snow, very heavy downpours — 1 time each; - glaze ice and sudden changes in weather conditions — 3 times each; - heavy snow — 4 times. Warning trends and lead times In terms of the number of warnings issued over the last decade, 2025 ranked third: - 1st place — 2024 (154 warnings). - 2nd place — 2022 (149 warnings). - 3rd place — 2025 (143 warnings). An important achievement in 2025 is the increase in the advance warning . The average time between the issue of the warning and the occurrence of the phenomenon was 16 hours 07 minutes (in 2024 — 15 hours 40 minutes). Dangerous phenomena (red danger level) In 2025, 12 storm warnings about dangerous hydrometeorological phenomena were issued.: 11 — about frosts; 1 — about very heavy rains. In terms of the number of storm warnings, 2025 ranked second in the last decade (there were 24 in 2024). Operational dissemination All warnings: - they were immediately sent to interested government agencies and organizations; - published in social networks and messengers of Belhydromet; - posted on official websites and in the mobile application. Thus, in 2025, Belhydromet continued to strengthen the monitoring and forecasting system, ensuring the safety of citizens and the sustainability of the economy of the Republic of Belarus. Details are available on the YouTube channel of the National Press Centre of the Republic of Belarus.

On the eve of the New Year, t he Mozyr Interdistrict Centre for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring (MC Mozyr) received a valuable gift – the completion of the modernisation programme for its MAWS (Meteorological Automatic Weather Station) measuring system . This project, implemented as part of efforts to enhance the accuracy and reliability of meteorological data, marks a significant milestone in the development of the region's hydrometeorological service. The first stage of modernization , completed in November 2025, included the preparation of the meteorological site by MC Mozyr staff, the installation of a foundation slab, and the mounting of a Pluvio-2 precipitation gauge by specialists from LLC ITS-Bel. This modern instrument makes it possible to measure the amount of all types of precipitation with high accuracy, providing a more complete understanding of hydrometeorological processes. At the same time, a PWD-52 visibility and current weather sensor was installed on the MAWS mast, which not only measures visibility range, but also records precipitation types, providing valuable information for weather forecasting. The second, equally important, stage of modernization was the installation of a new computer set in December 2025. This update provided faster and more efficient processing of data coming from meteorological sensors, which significantly improved the efficiency and accuracy of forecasts. The modernization of the MAWS system has become a real gift for the New Year for the employees of the meteorological observation group of the MC Mozyr. Thanks to the new technologies, they now have the ability to work with more reliable and precise equipment, which will undoubtedly positively impact the quality of surface meteorological observations conducted in the city of Mozyr. This step represents an important contribution to ensuring the safety and sustainable development of the region. Information based on materials from the website of the Branch "Gomeloblhydromet" .

On January 12,  representatives of Belhydromet participated in a press conference at the National Press Centre of the Republic of Belarus , dedicated to the results of hydrometeorological activities in 2025. First Deputy Head of Belhydromet, Tatsiana Chаtyrka , presented a report highlighting the organisation's key achievements and areas of work. Tatsiana Chаtyrka noted that in the context of a growing number of extreme weather events, Belhydromet prioritises the development of monitoring and forecasting systems. In 2025, the large-scale modernization of the observation network continued with 5 new automatic weather stations (AWS) of Belarusian production being commissioned. The installation of another 5 AWS is planned for the following year. The modernization of 5 existing observation points has been carried out, and the network of precipitation observations in regional cities and Minsk has been expanded. Particular attention is paid to personnel training . Belhydromet specialists undertake training in master's and postgraduate programmes at the Belarusian State University and at the Russian State Hydrometeorological University. Belhydromet actively develops international cooperation , especially with Roshydromet. Continuous operational data exchange has been established. An important platform is the Interstate Council for Hydrometeorology of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Thanks to the measures being implemented, a consistently high level of weather forecast accuracy has been ensured . The accuracy of warnings for adverse and hazardous hydrometeorological phenomena exceeds 97%. Details are available on the YouTube channel of the National Press Centre of the Republic of Belarus. When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

Photos of the " light pillars " that residents of the Brest region recently observed have appeared on social networks in Belarus. The photos taken by a resident of Luninets immediately attracted the attention of Internet users. Many expressed surprise and admiration at such an unusual phenomenon. Specialists believe this visual effect could have occurred due to the presence of fine snowflakes in the air. Snow crystals form halos when light from the moon or lanterns is refracted into them, creating luminous pillars or arcs. This happens under specific weather conditions. Light pillars are most often observed in calm, frosty weather, which coincided with the conditions in the Luninets district on the previous night. The unusual sight attracted the attention of the townspeople and became the reason for numerous photos and discussions on social networks. In recent days, Belarus has been under the influence of Cyclone Ulli, which brought snowfall, but now its activity is decreasing. The information is taken from the website of the Branch "Brestoblhydromet"

Despite the difficult weather conditions, namely heavy snow and a blizzard, RUE Minsk National Airport continues to operate normally.  All specialised equipment is deployed for clearing snow from the runway and the entire airfield to ensure the operation of both scheduled and charter flights. It is becoming more difficult to clean the runway from constantly falling snow, as well as by moving it to already cleared areas. However, flight delays in such weather are minimal, as airport services work in a coordinated manner and clear the runway between flight operations. The service for aviation meteorological supply of Belhydromet plays a major role by promptly monitoring, analysing, and forecasting weather phenomena and conditions hazardous to aviation. In adverse weather conditions, the service's meteorological technicians provide minute-by-minute information on actual weather to RUE Minsk National Airport. Aviation forecasters provide advance warnings to all airport units, relay information to air traffic control personnel, and also brief flight crews before each departure on hazardous or complex weather conditions, including any deterioration or expected duration of dangerous phenomena. Thanks to timely forecasting and warnings of hazardous weather conditions, RUE Minsk National Airport continues flight operations even during severe weather. When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

Cyclone Ulli formed over the Mediterranean Sea on the night of January 6, 2026, shifting in a northeasterly direction, and reached the territory of Ukraine on January 8. As a result, on the morning of January 8, the territory of our country was in the zone of active atmospheric fronts from the southern cyclone centered over the Kiev region. During the daytime, the snowfall zone covered most of the territory of Belarus, with the exception of the extreme northwestern regions of the country. Precipitation of varying intensity (snow, and rain in the far south-east) occurred over most of the territory. Heavy snow was observed across the southern half of the country. Meanwhile, mainly over the south-eastern half, winds strengthened with gusts of 15-18 m/s. The gusty wind and falling snow led to blizzard conditions and the formation of snow drifts on the republic's roads. According to the latest data, the cyclone's centre is stationary over the east of the Gomel Region, with most of Belarus remaining under the influence of its active atmospheric fronts. Overnight, snow of varying intensity fell over most areas, with rain noted in the far south-eastern regions. In Mogilev, very heavy snow was observed, amounting to 20 mm or more. Strong, gusty winds were recorded across most of the territory. The snowfall reduced visibility to 100-500 m and caused blizzard conditions. In some areas, minor glaze ice and rime deposits were noted. A scover with a height of 6-30 cm has formed in most parts of the country, 31-42 cm in places in the republic. According to the forecast for 9 January, the southern cyclone will continue to fill over the Gomel region. At the same time, a zone of intense snowfall is expected over the Minsk, Mogilev, and Vitebsk regions, where heavy snow, strong gusty winds, blizzards, and snow drifts on roads are anticipated for most of these territory. Heavy snow, strengthening winds with gusts of 15-20 m/s, and blizzard conditions are also possible in some areas of the Grodno region. On January 10-11 , it will continue to exert its influence on the territory of our country, gradually filling up and losing its activity. Consequently, snow (from light to moderate) will still be observed in most areas. At the same time, north-westerly winds in the cyclone's rear sector will bring in cold air of Arctic origin. As a result, the temperature on Sunday night will drop to -11°C -18°C, in clear weather it will drop to -23°C, and daytime highs will reach -8°C -15°C. When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

January is the coldest winter month. Depending on the nature of the development of atmospheric processes, the January temperature in some years differs significantly from the norm. During the post-war period, January 1950, 1963 and 1969 turned out to be colder than usual (8-10°C below the climatic norm) compared to the norm of 1991-2020 (-4.1 °C), and January 1987 turned out to be exceptionally cold with an average monthly temperature of -16.3 °C (12.2 °C below the climatic norm).  Warmer than usual conditions, with temperatures 4-5.2°C above the norm, were observed in January 1989, 2007, and 2020. The warmest January on record was in 2025, when the average air temperature across the republic was +1.2°C, exceeding the climatic norm by 5.3°C. The absolute minimum air temperature was recorded at the Tolochin weather station on the night of 17 January 1940 (-42.2°C). The absolute maximum air temperature was recorded in Vysokoye on 1 January 2023 (+16.4°C). The frequency of thaw days in January ranges from 10 to 18. During January, snow cover typically increases. By the end of the month, its average depth is usually 4-17 cm. The average number of days with precipitation of 1 mm or more in January is 8-13. 29 to 57 mm of precipitation usually falls per month (the national average is 41 mm). With cyclonic weather, precipitation can exceed the norm by 2-3 times and reach 69-135 mm. The minimum amount of January precipitation in the anticyclonal weather regime does not exceed 1-9 mm. During the month, on average, there are from 1 to 9 days with fog , from 1 to 7 days with glaze , and from 1 to 8 days with frost . On average, there are 1-3 days with a snowstorm, increasing in some years to 4-10 days. The greatest gust of wind in January was recorded in Vasilevichi on January 11, 1975 (34 m/s). The following maximums have been recorded nationally in January : 29 days with glaze in Novogrudok in 1960; 25 days with hoar frost in Gorki in 1968; 23 days with fog in Volozhin in 1971; 247 hours (over 10 days) of continuous fog in Mogilev in 1936 and 244 hours in Novogrudok in 1960; 2 days with thunderstorms (in Mogilev in 1983 and in Gantsevichi in 1990); 15 days with blizzards in Mogilev in 1962; 150 hours (over 6 days) of continuous blizzard conditions in Mogilev in 1962. When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

During the first month of winter, an average of 36 mm of precipitation fell in the republic, constituting 81% of the climatic norm. Precipitation was unevenly distributed across the country. Over most of the territory, 50-100% of the climatic precipitation norm was recorded. Precipitation fell in the form of rain, snow, and sleet. A snow cover formed in the middle of the second decade of December, but its presence was short-lived. During the third decade, the snow cover became established again and persisted until the end of the month. On the last day of last year, the maximum snow depth was recorded at the Mstislavl station, measuring 18 cm The average date for the appearance of the first snow cover across most of the republic falls between the 5th and 20th of November, while a stable snow cover typically establishes itself in December. During the cold season, the proportion of rainfall and mixed precipitation is increasingly growing. This is due to rising air temperatures, particularly in winter, which impedes snow accumulation. There are years when a stable snow cover forms as early as late October, while other winters have seen it establish only in late January or early February. Occasionally, snow doesn't persist continuously for an entire month; such years are classified as having no stable snow cover. The height of the snow cover mainly depends on the amount of precipitation and the temperature conditions of the cold period. In cold winters, there is a regular increase in the height of the snow cover during the winter. The maximum snow accumulation, depending on the temperature of early spring, occurs either at the end of February or in March.  The maximum recorded winter snow depth for the republic was registered in Lyntupy (72 cm) during the winter of 1964-65. When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

An active southern cyclone, the centre of which will initially be located over the Kyiv region of Ukraine, will cause severe weather conditions across Belarus. For the night into Friday, 9 January, heavy snowfall of 7-19 mm is expected over most areas, with very heavy snowfall of 20-25 mm f orecast for the night in the Gomel and Mogilev regions . In many districts, blizzard conditions, snow drifts on roads, and gusty winds of 15-20 m/s are expected, with gusts locally up to 24 m/s in the Mogilev region during the night. Due to the anticipated very heavy snowfall, a red weather warning has been issued for the Gomel and Mogilev regions. In Minsk, heavy snow (11-16 mm), blizzard conditions, and strong gusty winds of 15-20 m/s are expected on the night of 9 January . During the day on 9 January 2026, heavy snow (7-14 mm), strong gusty winds, and blizzard conditions will persist across most of the territory.   Snow drifts on roads are expected. In Minsk during the day on 9 January, heavy snow (7-9 mm) and light blizzard conditions are forecast . When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory