Long-term meteorological observations allow us to form a fairly accurate picture of the climatic features of the year's first day. In Minsk, for example, over the entire observation period (since 1892), the average daily air temperature on January 1st is -5.7°C. It is interesting to note that about once every 7 years the average daily air temperature rises to 0°C and above. However, in the last decade, positive air temperatures in Minsk have been observed almost annually, indicating a trend towards milder winters. On the other hand, about once every 5 years, the average daily air temperature drops below -10°C, and once every 20 years – below -20°C. The temperature records are also impressive. The warmest day on January 1 with a maximum air temperature of +9.8°C was recorded in 2023, and the coldest in 1905, when the daytime air temperature dropped to -24.8°C. The coldest New Year's night, with a minimum air temperature of -29.8°C, was recorded in 1941. The warmest night was on January 1, 2023, when at the stroke of midnight the air temperature was +4.9°C, rising to +6.5°C by 6 AM. As for precipitation, the snowiest January 1 was in 1893, when 14.7 mm of precipitation fell per day, and the snow cover reached 36 cm. And the largest amount of precipitation fell on January 1, 2021 (20.1 mm), but due to the positive air temperature, precipitation fell in the form of sleet and rain. Statistics show that about once every 4 years in Minsk on New Year's Eve there is a snow cover with a height of more than 15 cm. However, such a height has not been observed since 2012. In the last 50 years, the new year without snow was celebrated in Minsk in 1975, 1976, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2005, 2007, 2014, 2018, 2024, 2025 years when there was no snow cover at all. Average daily air temperature in Minsk,°С 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2019 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 January 1st -3,4 -2,0 1,1 -1,4 -0,5 -10,3 0,6 1,4 -0,2 0,7 1,4 2,4 7,4 -2 2,8 Climate records in Belarus. The coldest New Year's Eve in the republic for the entire period of instrumental observations was in 1979 at the Yezerishche station, then the thermometers showed 32.1degrees Celsius. The warmest night was in 2023, when at midnight in Brest the air temperature was +11.5°С, and by 6 a.m. on January 1 in Grodno it was +13.2°С. The maximum snow height on January 1 was observed in 2011 at Verkhnedvinsk station and amounted to 44 cm. Now, more and more often, we celebrate the New Year without snow. This happens about once every 4-5 years in the central part, in the north once every 8 years, and in the extreme southwest of our country, every second New Year is snowless. The weather forecast for January 1, 2026 According to preliminary data, on January 1, 2026 (Thursday), there will be light snow in places across the republic at night. Snow mainly in the western half of the day, with a light snowstorm. There is ice on some sections of roads. The minimum air temperature at night is -10 -16°C, with clearings up to -20°C, the maximum during the day is from -12°C in the east to +1°C in the southwest. In conclusion, we would like to wish all readers a good mood during the New Year holidays, safe and pleasant winter holidays, no matter what weather January 1, 2026 presents us with!

On December 31, 2025, a new automatic meteorological station, "Peleng S-01" was inaugurated in a formal ceremony in the city of Chechersk. The opening ceremony was attended by Sergey Gaikov, Chairman of the Chechersk District Executive Committee; Sergey Malyukov, Chairman of the Chechersk District Council of Deputies; Sergey Luzhkov, Head of the Gomeloblhydromet Branch, Igor Fedorovich, Head of the Chechersk District Emergency Department, representatives of labor collectives and public organizations. "Peleng C-01" is a modern weather monitoring system that meets all the requirements of the World Meteorological Organization. It's manufactured by JSC "Peleng" a leading design and engineering enterprise in the optoelectronic industry of the Republic of Belarus. The station collects real-time data on temperature, air humidity, wind direction, meteorological visibility range, atmospheric pressure, and precipitation. It measures, processes, displays, stores, and distributes meteorological data. The new station will become part of the meteorological monitoring system of the Gomel region and Belarus as a whole. The information obtained with its help will improve the accuracy of local weather forecasts, the efficiency and accuracy of warnings about adverse and hazardous weather phenomena. The meteorological station was built as part of the implementation of the State Investment Program for 2025. In addition to the facility in Chechersk, four similar stations have also been commissioned in the Republic of Belarus this year. To ensure meteorological safety until 2030, the construction of an additional twenty similar facilities is planned in the republic. The meteorological station is a strategic facility that will contribute to strengthening security, sustainable development and economic efficiency of the Chechersky district. Its opening is an important event both for the Hydrometeorological Service of Belarus and for the region. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Sergey Luzhkov familiarized the leadership of the Chechersk district Executive Committee and the Council of Deputies with the design and operating principle of the station. The residents of the Chechersk district received an excellent New Year's gift!

From 19 December 2025 to 23 February 2026, Belhydromet, as part of the collective stand of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, is participating in the exhibition of achievements of sovereign Belarus, "My Belarus" , held at the Minsk International Exhibition Centre BELEXPО. As part of its exhibition space, the Ministry presents a unique area dedicated to the beauty of Belarusian nature and tourism opportunities. The "Natural Heritage" exposition is an oasis of living nature, created from natural materials. Here, you will hear birdsong and the babbling of a stream, immersing yourself in the atmosphere of a Belarusian forest. A special feature is a 1978 railcar from the "Ozery" Nature Reserve (Hrodna District, Ozery agro-town) , which marks the start of the "Zapavedny Shlyakh" (Reserved Path) eco-route  - the only narrow-gauge railway tourist route in Belarus that runs through a specially protected natural area. This attraction is particularly popular with tourists. What you will see along the route : - a bridge - the second longest engineering structure of its kind in the country and the only one spanning a lake. It offers panoramic views of the water body and surrounding landscapes. - forest bogs, oak groves, and meadows that have retained their pristine beauty.   Unique species of birds and animals found only in untouched natural corners. VR headsets will allow you to take a 3D tour along the narrow-gauge railway, see the bridge over Lake Azery, and enjoy the beauty of Belarusian landscapes. Continuing the tour, you will learn about the "Osveyskaye" Nature Reserve (Vitebsk Region, Verkhnyadzvinsk District) , with its unique ecosystems, Lake Osveyskaye and the island "Khozyain" ("The Master"). Rare birds and animals inhabit the area, including the brown bear and lynx. The reserve holds international status. A kayak on the bank of a river serves as an excellent photo opportunity. Topiary figures of deer and bears emphasise the harmony between humans and nature. The "Natural Heritage" exposition is an opportunity to see unique natural sites, learn about eco-routes, experience the atmosphere of Belarusian forests and lakes, and take memorable photographs. We look forward to welcoming you at the "My Belarus" exhibition!

Traditionally, on the eve of the New Year, a solemn event is held at the state institution "Republican center for hydrometeorology, control of radioactive contamination and environmental monitoring". This year was no exception. In his address to the staff, Sergey Khilman, the head of Belhydromet, stressed that these days we are not only celebrating, but also summarizing the results of a great collaboration over the past year. "Undoubtedly, we still have a lot to do next year. Everything depends on our hard work, creativity, and unity. There are many important and responsible matters in the plans for 2026. I am sure, said Sergey Khilman, that our Belhydromet has excellent prospects". Special attention was paid in the speech to the spirit of the New Year holidays. The head recalled the charity event "Our Children", which is taking place these days throughout the country.: New Year's Eve is the most magical time! No matter how old we are, we all dream of a miracle. It is on these fabulous days that the wonderful action "Our Children" takes place in our country, and we, adults, try to make sure that the holiday comes to every home, so that each of you has a gift under the tree, and cherished desires come true. At the end of his speech, Sergey Khilman wished the employees success, health, confidence in the future and a peaceful sky over their heads. The festive event also included a business part – summing up the results of creative contests. The winners of the Happy New Year, Belgidromet! video contest, which was attended by regional branches, and the "Christmas Tree – ART – 2025" contest were announced. The culmination of the meeting was a festive concert, prepared especially for the staff of Belhydromet. Thus, the New Year's Eve event became not only a reason for celebration, but also an important stage in understanding what has been achieved, and also energized the team and inspired them for new accomplishments in 2026.

On December 24, an important meeting took place in Belhydromet: Sergey Khilman, head of the Belhydromet, delegate of the VII All-Belarusian People's Assembly, shared with the staff the results of the large-scale event. He spoke about the key decisions and development directions identified at the ABPA. Special attention was paid to the issues of socio-economic development of the country, strengthening national security and improving the well-being of citizens. The issues of the role of science and innovation in the development of Belarus were also discussed. Sergey Khilman emphasized the importance of each employee's contribution to the common cause and expressed confidence in the successful implementation of the tasks set: The decisions taken at the VII All-Belarusian People's Assembly set clear guidelines for the development of all sectors, including the hydrometeorological service. Our task is to provide high-quality meteorological services to the population and economic sectors, introduce modern technologies and improve the accuracy of forecasts. Each of us makes an important contribution to the common cause, and the safety and well-being of citizens depends on our well-coordinated work. The meeting was held in the format of an open dialogue. Belhydromet employees were able to ask their questions and make suggestions.

On December 23, 2025, an excursion for students of the special secondary school No. 18 in Minsk took place in Belhydromet. The event was an opportunity for the children to learn how weather forecasts are created and radiation safety of the country is ensured. The tour for the young guests was started by Georgy Kamlyuk, a leading meteorological engineer at the Meteorological monitoring Department . He introduced the children to the history of the State Hydrometeorological Service of Belarus, told them about the unique building of the geophysical observatory, which is a listed building, and vividly demonstrated the operation of meteorological instruments on an automatic meteorological platform. Anna Sadovskaya, radiometric engineer at the Radiation Monitoring Department , spoke in detail about how background radiation is monitored in Belarus, what devices are used for this purpose, and how public safety is ensured. Marina Luksha, Deputy Head of the Meteorological Forecasting Service , completed the tour. She revealed the secrets of making weather forecasts in Belhydromet: how data from across the country and the world is collected and analyzed was demonstrated by weather maps that are updated in real time. Belhydromet thanks the teachers of school No. 18 for organizing the visit and hopes that such meetings will help develop children's interest in environmental awareness.

On the eve of the New Year holidays, the Belhydromet held an action Happy New Year, soldier! The purpose of the campaign is to support military personnel undergoing military service and remind them of the attention and care of their native team. As part of the event, representatives of Belhydromet visited military units where the organization's employees are currently serving. During the meetings, warm congratulations were expressed on the upcoming holidays — New Year and Christmas, words of gratitude for the fulfillment of military duty, wishes of good health, good spirits and successful months of service. Each serviceman received a memorable New Year's gift from the Belhydromet staff.  It is fundamentally important for us that each of our employees, wearing a military uniform, feels that he has not been forgotten, remembered and is waiting for his return. Such support helps to maintain morale and confidence in the future, said Irina Milkevich, Head of the Department of Ideological Work and International Cooperation.  The visit to the military units was another confirmation of Belhydromet's commitment to its social obligations and its desire to contribute to supporting the country's defense capability. This action is not just a tribute to tradition, but a manifestation of respect for those who are guarding our security and the peaceful sky above our heads today. Belhydromet's participation in the campaign demonstrated that Belhydromet is not just a workplace, but a cohesive team where every employee is valued and supported in any life circumstances. Happy New Year, soldiers!

On 22 December 2025, a meeting was held at the state institution "Republican Centre for Hydrometeorology, Radioactive Pollution Control and Environmental Monitoring" (Belhydromet) with representatives of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus, MTS Mobile TeleSystems LLC, the Republican Centre for Analytical Control in the Field of Environmental Protection, and the Republican Unitary Enterprise "Centre for Digital Development". During the meeting, opportunities for utilising the technical digital solutions of MTS Mobile TeleSystems LLC in the field of environmental monitoring were discussed. This included the potential for expanding the functionality of the Republican Automated Environmental Monitoring Information System. Drawing on the experience of implementing state digital eco-monitoring tasks in the regional networks of the Russian Federation, the following topics were addressed: the use of the MTS software tool – the "Proactive Environmental Risk Management System" for identifying emission sources; and the formation of comprehensive regional eco-monitoring networks based on automatic stations of Russian and Belarusian manufacture. Alexander Trusov, Deputy Head of Belhydromet, drew the attention of all present to the experience of implementing digital solutions for industrial enterprises. Examples of addressed tasks were reviewed (controlling the level of impact on the nearest residential area, increasing the level of public and government authority trust), as were the effects of software implementation (economic and social benefits) and its integration capabilities. Potential scenarios and solutions to tasks, using the company MTS's experience, were also discussed. Constructive decisions were made as a result of the meeting.

Anthropogenic or industrial snow is a winter phenomenon during which water vapor emissions, usually from an industrial source, lead to local snowfall. Local anthropogenic snow can be observed in cities and towns, depending on the amount of excess water vapor and local meteorological conditions, in the presence of appropriate anticyclonic conditions and near permanent local sources of water vapor and air pollution.  Anthropogenic snow is usually associated with cold, stable anticyclonic conditions, when the radiation fog, held by the inversion layer, does not mix and becomes supersaturated with water vapor. In such conditions, ice nuclei form on motes, which are the smallest suspended particles of industrial pollutants (dust, soot, ash), and precipitation in the form of fine snow falls over a limited area of several square kilometers downwind.  Industrial snow began to be recognized in Europe as a separate local meteorological phenomenon only in recent decades. At the end of November and in December, residents of some districts of the capital witnessed local snow-white landscapes. However, such snow is of man-made origin and may contain pollutants. When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

In order to popularize geographical science, enhance international cooperation in the field of hydrometeorology, create a unified educational and information environment and identify talented students, an international competition for research papers by students, students and young scientists in the field of hydrometeorology Climate was held at the Faculty of Geography and Geoinformatics of BSU from May 15 to December 31, 2025. and Water 2.0: innovations and digital solutions". The competition was organized by the Faculty of Geography and Geoinformatics of the Belarusian State University, and co–organized by the state institution  Republican Center for Hydrometeorology, Control of Radioactive Contamination and Environmental Monitoring (Belhydromet), Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring (Roshydromet), Russian State Hydrometeorological University, Yugorsky State University. The competition aimed to promote hydrological and meteorological research, as well as related scientific fields. Within the framework of the competition, participants competed in two categories: debut (students of secondary education institutions, students, undergraduates, graduates) and pros (graduate students, applicants, young scientists). The work was carried out in two areas: climatic (climatology and climate change, meteorology and dangerous meteorological phenomena, digital solutions for climate adaptation) and hydrological (hydrology and water resources, dangerous hydrological phenomena). The submitted works were evaluated by an Expert jury composed of leading specialists from the organizing and co-organizing institutions. The jury consisted of: The chairman of the jury is Elena Kolmakova (Candidate of Geographical Sciences, Associate Professor, Dean of the Faculty of Geography and Geoinformatics). Members of the jury: Olga Aniskina (Candidate of Physico-mathematical Sciences, Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Meteorological Forecasts at the Russian State Hydrometeorological University); Voskanyan Karina (Candidate of Physico-mathematical Sciences, Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Experimental Atmospheric Physics Russian State Hydrometeorological University); Dorozhko Natalia (Senior Lecturer at the Department of General Earth Sciences and Hydrometeorology of BSU); Ivanov Dmitry (Doctor of Geographical Sciences, Professor of the Department of General Earth Sciences and Hydrometeorology of BSU); Artur Koshin (Lecturer at the Department of General Earth Sciences and Hydrometeorology of BSU); Loginova Elena (Candidate Geographical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of General Earth Sciences and Hydrometeorology, BSU); Lopukh Pyotr Stepanovich (Doctor of Geographical Sciences, Professor of the Department of General Earth Sciences and Hydrometeorology at BSU); Teslenok Sergey Candidate of Geographical Sciences , Associate Professor at the Higher School of Ecology of Yugra State University). The competition was attended by students, undergraduates, graduate students, applicants and young scientists from Belarus, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan. In total, 80 projects from more than 60 educational institutions were presented, including the State Hydrological Institute, the Russian State Hydrometeorological University, Kaluga State University named after K.E. Tsiolkovsky, Nakhchivan State University, and the Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute. Seyitnazar Seydi, Irkutsk State University, Belarusian State University, Vitebsk State University named after P.M. Masherov, as well as more than 40 institutions of general secondary education. The submitted works were evaluated according to the following criteria: relevance, scientific novelty, originality of the solution of the tasks set, completeness and logical sequence of the presentation of the material, theoretical and practical significance of the results obtained, design, use of digital technologies and approbation of the results. Based on the expert review, laureates of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degrees were determined for each thematic area and category. The winners of the competition Debut nomination (hydrological field): 1st place : Anastasia Markevich (Oktyabrskaya secondary school, Vitebsk region). Work: Biological and ecological characteristics of insects in the water bodies of the upper marshes of the Belarusian Lake district, exposed to anthropogenic impact (on the example of the upper swamp «Gorodnyansky Moss»). Scientific supervisor: Polovinskaya O.F., Dudarev A.N. 2nd place : Valeria Filippova (Dolzhanskaya secondary school of Vitebsk region). Work: "Restoration of the lake ecosystem of Lake Sosno in the area of the beach." Scientific supervisor: Parkhimovich N.V. Kruchanova  3rd place : Anastasia Chanchina, Artur Soprikh, Viktor Starodubov (National Children's Technopark). Work: Regional differences in the water content of rivers in the territory of Belarus in the context of climate transformation. Scientific supervisors: Gledko Yu.A., Danilovich I. S., Tarasevich I. V. Debut nomination (climate direction): 1st place : Darya Arestova, Yana Yelovaya (National Children's Technopark, Secondary School No. 1 in Polotsk). Work: Analysis of the dynamics of dangerous weather events in Belarus. Scientific supervisors: Gledko Yu. A., Danilovich I. S., Tarasevich I. V., Timoshenko E.V. 2nd place : Levkina Arina (Novkinskaya secondary school of Vitebsk region). Work: Phenology of woody plants in rural areas and urban environments, taking into account the formation of an "island of warmth: consequences for people with pollen allergies." Scientific supervisor: G.P. Parkhimovich. 3rd place : Garanina Kseniya, Shcherbik Milana (Gymnasium No. 5 in Vitebsk), Garanin Stanislav Romanovich (BSU). Work: Optimization of heat utilization of server equipment and computer equipment using pulsation tubes. Scientific supervisors: N.G. Tishchenko, A.L. Kiselev, I.A. Nekalo Pros nomination (hydrological field): 1st place : Kulikova Kseniya Aleksandrovna (State Hydrological Institute, St. Petersburg). Work: System modeling of water exchange processes in catchments. Scientific supervisor: Khaustov V.A. 2nd place : Sokolov Alexander Vladimirovich (Kaluga State University named after K.E. Tsiolkovsky). Work: Satellite monitoring as a method for assessing reservoir eutrophication. Supervisor: Zakharova M. V. 3rd place : Efimovich Maxim Alekseevich (Otor basic school, ag. Otor). Work: Analysis of hydrochemical and biological parameters of springs in the Chechersky district. Pros nomination (climate direction): 1st place :: Arina Nebyshinets (BSU). Work: Climate vulnerability of Belarus: assessment methods, factors of regional differences. Scientific supervisor: Gledko Yu.A. 2nd place : Vladislav Kapusto (BSU). Work: Modern dynamics of arid conditions in the territory of Belarus. Scientific supervisor: Sumak E.N. 3rd place : Chernyakova Irina (BSU). Work: Scientific justification of the location of points of the state network of hydrometeorological observations of the Republic of Belarus. Scientific supervisor: Gledko Yu.A. The award ceremony will take place in January 2026 and will be timed to coincide with the Day of Belarusian Science. The date and time of the event will be clarified later. Congratulations to the winners and wish them further success in their scientific work!