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

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.

The XXVII Belarusian Energy and Environmental Forum will be held in Minsk from October 17 to 20, 2023.   The purpose of the forum is to promote the innovative development of the fuel and energy sector of Belarus. Every year the forum becomes a unique meeting place for power engineers and environmentalists, thereby contributing to the expansion of cooperation, the exchange of advanced developments and projects. The business program of the forum includes scientific and practical conferences, round tables and seminars where experts present modern technological solutions in the field of energy, energy conservation and ecology. The forum will host the International specialized exhibition "Energy. Ecology. Energy saving. Electro" (EnergyExpo' 2023)  in which Belhydromet will take part. As part of the exposition of organizations of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus, Belhydromet will present the Republican Information System for Automated Environmental Monitoring (RISAM), the National Environmental Monitoring System in the Republic of Belarus (NEMS), will demonstrate a 3-D model of the Minsk meteorological station, which will allow visitors to visually familiarize themselves with the technical capabilities of Belhydromet in the production of hydrometeorological information. Informational materials on environmental issues will be presented to a wide range of visitors. Visitors can ask any question they are interested in when viewing the exhibition which will be answered by specialists of Belhydromet. For reference: The Belarusian Energy and Environmental Forum has been held since 1995 attracting the attention of leading Belarusian and world manufacturers of energy-efficient equipment, technologies and materials for energy, petrochemicals, housing and communal services, the manufacturing sector and environmental protection in the Republic of Belarus and is the country's largest presentation platform on these topics. The structure of the exposition includes industry sections of the Ministry of Energy, the Belarusian State Concern for Petroleum and Chemistry, the State Committee for Standardization, the State Committee for Science and Technology, the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection. This year, over 200 enterprises and organizations will present their products and services at the forum. Among them are the largest enterprises of the Belarusian energy industry and foreign companies interested in promoting products to the Belarusian market. The rich business program of the forum includes 18 events, including conferences, seminars, round tables, presentations of companies participating in the exhibition. During the events, domestic and foreign experts will present modern technological solutions in the field of energy, petrochemistry, energy conservation and ecology. Within the framework of the forum's business program, the following issues will be considered: ESG transformation and sustainable development; digitalization of production, fuel and energy and petrochemical complexes; the possibility of using natural refrigerants to save energy and increase the efficiency of refrigeration units; energy storage systems on lithium-ion batteries to ensure uninterrupted power supply of industrial facilities in Belarus; the reality and prospects of electric transport; current situation and prospective directions the use of local fuel and energy resources, the efficient use of electric energy and others. Within the framework of the forum, under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Belarus and with the organizational support of the Rosatom State Corporation, an international conference will be held on the role of nuclear energy in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the BelAES project as an exemplary example of international cooperation, which created an opportunity for the implementation of major partner projects in new areas of work. Coverage of the forum's events in the Belarusian and foreign mass media will be provided by 18 information partners representing leading print publications and Internet portals. Detailed information about the participants and events of the forum is available on the official website of the forum: https://energyexpo.by /. One can get a personal electronic invitation card which makes it possible to attend the forum events once after registering on https://https://energyexpo.by /. We invite you to visit the Belhydromet exposition! Exhibition opening hours: October 17-19, 2023 from 10-00 to 18-00, October 20, 2023 from 10-00 to 14-00. Venue: Republic of Belarus, Minsk, Pobediteley Ave., 20/2 (Football Arena).  

In August 2020, the average air temperature in Belarus was +18.6°C, which is 1.3°C higher than the climatic norm. All three decades were warm. It was warmer in the first and third decade, the average air temperature of which was higher than the norm by 1.6 and 1.8ºС, respectively. On average, there was a lack of precipitation throughout the country: 58.6 mm fell or 87% of the monthly norm. Some meteorological stations recorded 1.5-2 monthly precipitation norms. During the month, the precipitation was extremely uneven. In the first and second decade of August, there was a strong deficit of precipitation: 19% and 42% of the norm fell, respectively. In the third decade, there was an excess of moisture: 208% of the ten-day norm dropped out. In the first two decades of August, the rivers showed mainly a decline in water levels and their even course. As a result, on the Western Dvina near Vitebsk, the Dnieper near Mogilev, Zhlobin, Rechitsa and Loyev, the Berezina near Svetlogorsk, the Sozh near Krichev, Slavgorod and Gomel conditions for river transport have become worse. On the Sozh tributary, the Oster near Khodun, the water level dropped below the mark of the water outlet to the floodplain. In the third decade, most rivers showed an increase in water levels due to precipitation. The minimum water levels in certain sections of the rivers of the Neman, the Viliya and the Pripyat basins approached the multiyear minimums for August, and on the Yaselda near the Bereza (a tributary of the Pripyat) the value of the minimum water level dropped below the historical minimum for this time of year. In August, the water content of the Berezina was 15-20% less than the norm, the Western Dvina, the Neman, the Viliya, the Western Bug and the Pripyat were half the usual for this time of year. The water content of the Sozh, the Dnieper near Orsha and Rechitsa was higher than the norm by 10-35% and the Dnieper in Mogilev-Zhlobin section by 55-65%. The average monthly water temperature in the rivers and reservoirs of the country was +16 +23°С, which was close and somewhat lower than usual for this time of year.

Overview of hydrological situation of August In the first two decades of August, rivers showed mainly a decline in water levels and their even course. As a result, on the Western Dvina near Vitebsk, on the Dnieper near Mogilev, Zhlobin, Rechitsa and Loev, on the Berezina near Svetlogorsk, on the Sozh near Krichev, Slavgorod and Gomel conditions for river transport have become worse. On the Oster a tributary of the Sozh near the village of Khodun, the water level dropped below the mark of the water outlet to the floodplain. In the third decade, most rivers showed an increase in water levels due to precipitation. In August, water content of the Berezina was 15-20% less than the norm, the Western Dvina, the Neman, the Viliya, the Western Bug and the Pripyat were half of the usual for this time of year. Water content of the Sozh, the Dnieper near Orsha and Rechitsa was higher than the norm by 10-35% and the Dnieper in Mogilev-Zhlobin section by 55-65%. Minimum water levels in certain sections of rivers of the Neman, the Viliya and the Pripyat basins approached multiyear minimums for August, and on the Yaselda near Bereza (a tributary of the Pripyat), minimum water level dropped below the historical minimum for this time of year. Rivers are dominated by an increase in water levels as of the forecast date. On the navigable sections of the Western Dvina, the Neman, the Dnieper, the Berezina and the Sozh unfavorable conditions for the operation of river transport are observed. Forecast information on the minimum water levels in September Minimum water levels in September are projected below the multiyear averages for this time of year.

The year 2019 was the second warmest year on record after 2016, according to the World Meteorological Organization’s consolidated analysis of leading international datasets. Average temperatures for the five-year (2015-2019) and ten-year (2010-2019) periods were the highest on record. Since the 1980s each decade has been warmer than the previous one. This trend is expected to continue because of record levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Averaged across the five data sets used in the consolidated analysis, the annual global temperature in 2019 was 1.1°C warmer than the average for 1850-1900, used to represent pre-industrial conditions. 2016 remains the warmest year on record because of the combination of a very strong El Niño event, which has a warming impact, and long-term climate change. “The average global temperature has risen by about 1.1°C since the pre-industrial era and ocean heat content is at a record level,” said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas. “On the current path of carbon dioxide emissions, we are heading towards a temperature increase of 3 to 5 degrees Celsius by the end of century.” Temperatures are only part of the story. The past year and decade have been characterized by retreating ice, record sea levels, increasing ocean heat and acidification, and extreme weather. These have combined to have major impacts on the health and well-being of both humans and the environment, as highlighted by WMO’s Provisional Statement on the State of the Global Climate in 2019, which was presented at the UN Climate Change Conference, COP25, in Madrid. The full statement will be issued in March 2020. “The year 2020 has started out where 2019 left off – with high-impact weather and climate-related events.  Australia had its hottest, driest year on record in 2019, setting the scene for the massive bushfires which were so devastating to people and property, wildlife, ecosystems and the environment,” said Mr Taalas. “Unfortunately, we expect to see much extreme weather throughout 2020 and the coming decades, fuelled by record levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere,” said Mr Taalas. More than 90 percent of the excess heat is stored within the world’s ocean, and so ocean heat content is a good way to quantify the rate of global warming. A new study published 13 January in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences with data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/National Center for Environmental Information and the Institute of Atmospheric Physics showed that ocean heat content was at a record level in 2019. The past five years are the top five warmest years in the ocean historically with modern instruments, and the past ten years are also the top ten years on record. Modern temperature records began in 1850. WMO uses datasets (based on monthly climatological data from Global Observing Systems) from the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies, and the United Kingdom’s Met Office Hadley Centre and the University of East Anglia’s Climatic Research Unit in the United Kingdom.   It also uses reanalysis datasets from the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts and its Copernicus Climate Change Service, and the Japan Meteorological Agency.  This method combines millions of meteorological and marine observations, including from satellites, with models to produce a complete reanalysis of the atmosphere. The combination of observations with models makes it possible to estimate temperatures at any time and in any place across the globe, even in data-sparse areas such as the polar regions. The spread between the five data sets was 0.15°C with both the lowest (1.05°C) and the highest (1.20°C) being more than 1°C warmer than the pre-industrial baseline.  Taken from:  https://public.wmo.int/en/media/press-release/wmo-confirms-2019-second-hottest-year-record  

  Visit of World Bank experts to Belhydromet took place on 19 November, 2019.    During the visit draft of a Road Map was reviewed and discussed in detail. Road map “Strengthening Hydromet And Early Warning Services in Belarus” prepared by World Bank as part of implementation of component 3 “Improving the quality of hydrometeorological information and information on radiation situation, including the use of early warning systems” of the project Project “Enhancing Disaster Preparedness in the Republic of Belarus”.   From World Bank side event was attended by:      Daniel Werner Kull, senior disaster risk management specialist, project manager;  Vladislava I. Nemova, environment specialist,  Haleh Kootval, senior specialist, meteorology and public weather service, Andreas Schumann,senior specialist in hydrology and floods Paolo Fiorucci, senior specialist in wild/forest fires  Kathrin Baumman-Stanzer, senior specialist in radiation monitoring and forecasting,   Andreas Schaffhauser,senior specialist in MeteoAlarm integration   Ekaterina Zayash, interpreter.    Reference:  Technical Assistance Project “Enhancing Disaster Preparedness in the Republic of Belarus”   aims to enhance disaster risk preparedness capacity in the Republic of Belarus by improving extreme weather reporting, risk identification, data availability and dissemination and national disaster risk reduction strategy.    The project is implemented jointly by Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus and Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Belarus.  The first working meeting with World Bank experts was held in Belhydromet on January this year. During this week’s meeting, representatives of Belhydromet familiarized experts with the history of hydrometeorological service of the Republic of Belarus, system of activities in the field of meteorology, hydrology and radiation monitoring, also conducted an excursion in the center, accompanying with interesting information, answered questions.     Following the visit was made a decision by World Bank experts and Belhydromet employees to jointly finalize the draft Roadmap, which represents potential path aimed at strengthening the national hydrometeorological service (Belhydromet) and early warning systems, forest fire forecasting, as well as radiation monitoring and weather forecasting systems tailored to customer needs. Draft of a Roadmap is based on assessment of needs and potential of Belhydromet, which is main and only official provider of services in the field of weather, water resources, radiation monitoring, as well as forecasts and warnings.   Draft of a Roadmap, reviewed on November 19, 2019, will be jointly finalized until March 2020. Bilateral signing of the project is scheduled for April 2020 at World Bank office in Minsk.