Session of Working group WG-8 on the theme «Capacity-building and professional training» of Interstate Council for hydrometeorology of CIS member States was held in the A.I. Voeikov Central Geophysical Observatory on 28-29 May, 2018 (Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation). The meeting reviewied the state of staff capacity of the national hydrometeorological services, identified opportunities and main areas of joint action for sustainable capacity development including  interaction with national training institutions of CIS member States which trains specialists- hydrometeorologists and works with WMO programme on capacity development. During the meeting it was decided to strengthen cooperation (in future engagement between national hydrometeorological services) in the field of staff capacity-building WG-9 is executive body of Interstate Council for hydrometeorology of CIS member States and  carries out its functions in close collaboration with  the Secretariant of CIS Interstate Council for hydrometeorology and with CIS Executive Committee. The purpose of the WG-8  is to prepare draft decisions of  Interstate Council for hydrometeorology on the organization and coordination in terms of capacity building and training schemes for national hydrometeorology services. 

Every year, on May 31, WHO and partners celebrate world no tobacco day, drawing attention to health risks associated with tobacco use and effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.  The theme of world no tobacco day 2018 is "Tobacco and heart disease". The campaign will aim to raise awareness of the: links between tobacco and heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including stroke, which together are the leading cause of death in the world; feasible actions and measures that key stakeholders, including governments and the public can take to reduce tobacco-related health risks heart. World no tobacco day 2018 is taking place against the backdrop of a number of global initiatives and activities aimed at combating the tobacco epidemic, which has an impact on public health and is the cause of death and suffering of millions of people in the world. The Ministry of health of the Republic of Belarus is concerned about the problem of tobacco consumption, especially among young people, and takes various measures to prevent this dependence. Every year, in order to prevent diseases related to tobacco Smoking, and enhance the promotion of healthy lifestyles among the population of the Republic of Belarus, preventive information and educational campaigns are held. Thus, in order to implement the provisions of the WHO framework Convention on tobacco control in the Republic of Belarus, the state program "people's Health and demographic security" for 2016-2020, approved by the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus on March 14, 2016 № 200, as well as in connection with the holding of May 31, 2018 Single health day "world day without tobacco" in the period from 11 to 31 of May in the Republic of Belarus held the Republican anti-tobacco information and education campaign "under the motto" tobacco and heart disease". The aim of this action is to raise awareness of the population about the relationship between tobacco Smoking and cardiovascular diseases, which are the main cause of death in the world, as well as prevention of tobacco consumption, as one of the important measures to reduce Smoking-related diseases. Tobacco products are products for which tobacco leaves are used as raw materials and which are intended for Smoking, sucking, chewing or sniffing. The composition of all such products includes nicotine - a psychotropic component that causes severe addiction. Tobacco use is a major risk factor for a range of chronic diseases, including cancer, lung and cardiovascular diseases. Despite this, tobacco use is widespread throughout the world. Tobacco Smoking is an epidemic and a global problem for humanity, as exposure to tobacco smoke is one of the causes of death, disease and disability in large numbers of people. The consequences of bad habits annually lead to the death of about 6 million people in the world (600 thousand of them are passive smokers). In Europe alone, the annual number of tobacco-related deaths is about 1.2 million (14% of all deaths). In Europe, approximately 215 million people are smokers, of which 130 million are men. According to the European Union, 19,000 non-smokers die each year from secondhand smoke. WHO experts predict that by 2020 tobacco will become the main cause of death for 10 million people annually. Tobacco smoke is harmful not only for a smoker, but also for those who are close to him. Inhalation of air with tobacco smoke is called passive Smoking. There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke. Studies have shown that the risk of passive Smoking is very real. The smoke flowing from a lit cigarette is unfiltered smoke. It contains 50 times more carcinogens, twice as much tar and nicotine, five times more carbon monoxide and 50 times more ammonia than smoke inhaled through a cigarette. For people who work in a heavily smoked room, the degree of passive Smoking can reach the equivalent of 14 cigarettes smoked per day, which brings them closer to a regular smoker. There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke. Passive Smoking is dangerous in itself, however, the risks associated with it increase when staying indoors. Tobacco smoke irritates the upper respiratory tract. Dry nose, sore throat, sneezing-this is only a small, superficial part of the problem. Constant irritation of the nasal mucosa can lead to the formation of vasomotor rhinitis. Not many people know that problems with nasal breathing have a direct connection with ear diseases. Swollen or conversely, overly dry mucosa of the nasal cavity may lead to tubootitis (Eustachio). Asthma in General "loves" passive smokers — they develop it five times more often than those who are lucky not to face tobacco smoke. Passive Smoking has a powerful effect on the reproductive system, in particular in women — the menstrual cycle becomes shorter than in non-Smoking women. This can cause a decrease in the ability to conceive. Early ovarian depletion is typical of women who smoke, however, passive ovarian syndrome is also not a rare finding. Smoking when carrying a child to decide, by and large, the woman. And she is also responsible for the development of child complications associated with Smoking. But when a pregnant woman is forced to inhale the smoke of cigarettes of Smoking households — this can already be regarded as intentional harm to her and the child! Passive Smoking during pregnancy causes such pathological conditions as: high risk of premature birth, low birth weight, increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome, atopic dermatitis in the child. The eradication of Smoking is one of the effective measures to improve the health of the population. According to the international cancer Union (UICC), today 30% of all cancer deaths are associated with Smoking. Reducing tobacco use by half will save 170 million lives by 2050. It is necessary that everyone can breathe air free from tobacco smoke. Today, there are many methods and ways to get rid of this addiction. In the Republic of Belarus, assistance to those who have decided to "quit" cigarettes is provided on an outpatient basis in all regional health care institutions that provide drug (psychiatric) assistance to the population. There are 8 specialized rooms for the treatment of nicotine addiction in the Republic. In health facilities where data are lacking, the rooms are functional responsibilities assigned to local doctors-psychiatrists-narcologists, psychotherapists. Given that the effectiveness of anti-tobacco activities depends largely on the mobilization of all government structures, Belhydromet supports the Republican information and educational campaign. The trade Union Committee of the primary trade Union organization is in constant interaction with the administration of the Belhydromet on the implementation of measures aimed at the formation of a healthy lifestyle, prevention of tobacco use. The trade Union Committee constantly provides organizational and financial support for various sports, sports and tourism activities, monthly subscriptions to the gym and sauna.   Information about the consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke is posted on Bulletin boards and in designated Smoking areas and communicated to each employee by mailing your work email, and all employees with this addiction, recommended just for today to stop Smoking. The activities carried out within the framework of the campaign are one of the opportunities to pay attention to the problem of Smoking, to continue the formation of the team's intolerance to Smoking and prevention of Smoking in public places. If you are not indifferent to your family and yourself - quit Smoking as soon as possible! (Adapted from: http://minzdrav.gov.by/ru/novoe-na-sayte/31-maya-vsemirnyy-den-bez-tabaka/ ).

Commissioning of a new satellite data receiving station in the far Eastern center of the Federal state budgetary institution "planet»   In the far East center of the Federal state University "SIC "Planeta" put into operation a new complex of reception and processing of satellite information on the basis of a full-circle antenna diameter of 9 meters. The complex provides reception of information with the domestic number of satellites of "meteor" and "Canopus".  The commissioning of this complex ensures reliable reception of space data with an increase in satellite groupings for hydrometeorological purposes and monitoring of the natural environment, including dangerous phenomena. It should be noted that the new station has allowed to increase the volume of received information and satellite information products at a time when the far East is actively processes that often lead to emergency situations: opening of rivers, natural fires, volcanic eruptions. The perfect cloud ring flew over Kazakhstan The study of clouds is given a lot of attention, but sometimes in the atmosphere notice not uncommon amazing education that are attractive for aesthetic reasons, and scientific. On may 22, the MODIS Spectroradiometer on NASA's Terra satellite received an image of a circular cloud vortex flying over lake Balkhash in Eastern Kazakhstan. In the picture you can see that the clouds have formed an almost perfect circle. MODIS instruments installed on polar orbital satellites receive images of each part of the Earth once a day. The INSAT-3DR geostationary satellite, operated by the Indian space research organization, observes this part of the planet closely and receives new images every 26 minutes. This helps to fill in the data gaps. Terra satellite received the image at 12: 05 local time. INSAT-3dr pictures show that a few hours before the circular formation was associated with the area of convection over the Western Tien Shan mountains. The clouds swirled because of the cyclonic wind flow. The radius of the circle was about 200 kilometers — small enough that meteorologists could attribute the phenomenon to the category of mesoscale. SYNOPTIC scale formations have a horizontal length of more than 1000 kilometers, while the micro — scale ones are less than 1 kilometer. Over the UK hit 20,000 lightning per night Last weekend, the British sky lit up with a great light show. A strong storm swept over southern England and the Midlands. Experienced meteorologists admitted that they had never seen anything like it. The London fire brigade received more than 500 calls related to the weather, when the warm and humid weather was replaced by a severe storm. In Warwickshire, lightning struck five buildings early Sunday morning. In the city of dolish in the County of Devon because of lightning lit up the phone booth. In the Midlands of light lost about 1000 jobs. In the valley of the Thames announced 17 warnings due to floods. In the West Midlands and Bedfordshire motorists warned about the danger of driving on flooded roads. The employee of the meteorological service of the UK Charlie Powell says that during the night in the country struck from 15 to 20 thousand lightning. He explains: "the Temperature at night did not fall below 15-16 degrees, for the end of may it is quite warm and humid night, so all the conditions for a storm were created." Flooding in Sri Lanka 19 people were killed, 128 thousand people were injured. In Sri Lanka, the rainy season began. The rains that hit the island have already caused the death of 19 people. Accompanied by strong wind rains caused flooding in the center and West of Sri Lanka. According to Pradeep Kodippili of the country's disaster management Center, more than 55 thousand residents were evacuated to less dangerous areas, about four thousand homes were flooded or destroyed. In total, due to the action of the elements, about 128 thousand people were injured. The authorities warned of the increased threat of landslides. Rescue services, police and the military are currently providing assistance to the local population. According to weather forecasters, rain will continue, in some places can fall more than 150 mm of rain, the danger of mudflows. In the area of special risk are residents whose homes are located near the banks of large rivers. Climate change can adversely affect tea production and quality In the next decade, tea production and consumption will grow, mainly due to demand in developing countries. European citizens increasingly prefer coffee or water, but new varieties of tea compete with them. These are the findings of the FAO report (food and agriculture organization of the United Nations) on the tea market. Experts warn that climate change can negatively affect the scale of tea production and its quality. The growth in tea production is associated with its popularity in emerging economies such as China and India. In turn, the increase in demand for tea there experts explain the increase in income of the population, as well as the emergence of new varieties of this traditional drink: green, herbal, fruit, berry tea, as well as delicatessen varieties. Overall, black tea production is expected to increase by 2.2% annually over the next ten years. And green tea will gain popularity even faster – its production will grow every year by 7.5%. The report notes that today the largest exporter of tea is Kenya, but it is catching up with China. There, as in India and Sri Lanka, it is becoming increasingly popular. However, in Europe, tea gives way to coffee and bottled water. The same Europeans who like to indulge in tea, go from bags to loose tea and prefer delicious varieties that are served in trendy cafes and tea. At the same time, the authors of the report warn that the tea industry is threatened by climate change. For the cultivation of tea requires very specific conditions. Changing temperatures, unpredictable rainfall can affect the yield, quality and cost of tea, and farmers may lose income. FAO calls for adaptation measures to climate change and at the same time reduce greenhouse gas emissions that accompany the tea production process. In India, build roads from plastic debris In India, recycled plastic is used for road construction. Only in 2017, 100 thousand km of the roadway was laid from plastic garbage in the country. Many Indian States are participating in the project. In Kerala, the most active participants in the program were local fishermen. Plastic waste has long been a significant part of their catches, and the establishment of a plastic recycling center in the state was an excellent solution for the disposal of ocean debris. For the fishermen of the centre the opportunity to earn additional income. Since the beginning of 2018, 5 thousand participants of the project have delivered more than 65 tons of plastic garbage to the center. In the center, the plastic is crushed and melted at a temperature of about 170 °C. hot bitumen is added to the substance, and the resulting substance is laid as asphalt. Plastic recycling is one of the most urgent problems of the planet. A possible breakthrough in the fight against plastic pollution — the discovery of an enzyme that can digest plastic — made a team of scientists from the UK and the US in April 2018.

From 29 May to 1 June 2018 in Minsk, the Football Manege (Minsk, Pobediteley 20/2) in the framework of the Belarusian industrial forum was held the 21st international exhibition of technologies and innovations in the industry Tehnoprom. The exhibition included three thematic sections:  industrial equipment, technologies and products; industry 4.0-modern industrial automation, advanced innovative materials and technologies; energy in industry, energy saving, ecology. Main objectives of the exhibition: demonstration of innovative industrial equipment, products and technologies of domestic and foreign companies for their promotion in regional and international markets; strengthening business contacts and exchange of experience. The state institution "Republican center for Hydrometeorology, radioactive pollution control and environmental monitoring" was presented at the exhibition together with other organizations subordinated to the Ministry of natural resources and environmental protection. The exposition of the Ministry of natural resources was presented in a new format – instead of traditional posters, a video about the main activities of the Ministry of natural resources and its subordinate organizations was prepared for the exhibition.    In addition, everyone, visiting the exhibition stand of the Ministry of natural resources, was able to see the weather forecast for the next 6 days.  The official closing took place on Friday 1 June at 13.00.

On May 23-24, 2018, in the city of Gomel, the 10th meeting of the Joint Belarusian-Russian Commission for the Protection and Rational Use of Transboundary Water Objects was held. During the meeting the following issues were considered: 1. The quality of water and the state of water ecosystems of transboundary water bodies of the Dnipro and Western Dvina river basins. 2. On the water management situation in the Dnipro and Western Dvina river basins. 3. Results of interlaboratory diagnostic analyzes and practical seminars of specialists of laboratory services of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation on the Dnipro and Western Dvina river basins. 4. On transboundary monitoring of groundwater in the Dnipro and Western Dvina river basins. 5. On the progress of work on improving the mechanisms for cooperation between the joint management of the Dnipro Basin. 6. About plans of work of working groups of the Commission for 2018. 7. On the agenda, time and venue of the XI meeting of the Commission. The head of the Radiation Ecological Monitoring Service Elena Bogodyazh  took part in the meeting. with a report on "The quality of water and the state of water ecosystems of transboundary water bodies of the Dnipro and Western Dvina river basins on the territory of the Republic of Belarus in 2017", during which multi-year trends in the status of transboundary watercourses were noted. In working discussions the Russian side was interested in the approach used in the republic to assess the hydrobiological and hydrochemical status of surface water bodies. Following the meeting of the Commission, a protocol was signed.

 Based on the materials of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus. In order to attract people's attention to the problem of the irretrievable disappearance of many species of wild animals and wild plants on the Earth, the United Nations proclaimed May 22 the International Day for Biological Diversity. In 2018, the theme of the International Day for Biological Diversity will be the celebration of the 25th anniversary of activities in the field of biodiversity. The choice of this topic was due to the need to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention on Biological Diversity and to emphasize progress in achieving its goals at the national and global levels in a quarter of a century. Conservation of biodiversity is a common concern of humanity. The Convention on Biological Diversity considers biodiversity at all levels - at the ecosystem level, at the species level and at the level of genetic resources. It also covers the field of biotechnology, including through the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. In fact, it covers all possible areas directly or indirectly related to biodiversity and its role in development, ranging from science, politics and education to agriculture, commerce and culture. The issues of conservation of biological diversity in the Republic of Belarus and ensuring its sustainable use are among the priority directions of state policy in the environmental sphere. The celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity is timed for the holding of a seminar "25 years of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Protocols to the Convention as instruments for the realization of its goals ", which will take place within the framework of the UNDP-GEF global project "Strengthening Human Resources, Legal Systems and Institutional Capacity for Implementation of the Nagoya Protocol in the Republic of Belarus" of March 30, 2018 No. 2/18/000874 participation of representatives of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus, the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus and the UNDP Country Office in the Republic of Belarus from 22 to 23 May 2018. Each of us can contribute to the conservation of biological diversity, both at the national level and globally - by taking care of nature!

  The 67th meeting of the joint board of the Committee of the Union State on hydrometeorology and environmental monitoring was held in Minsk in the building of the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) from May 17 to May 18. The meeting was chaired by Maksim Yakovenko, the head of Roshydromet, and Roman Labaznov, the head of the Belhydromet of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus. Chairman of the Commission of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union of Belarus and Russia on environmental issues, nature management and liquidation of the consequences of accidents Galina Filippovich, Deputy Chairman of the CIS Executive Committee Agybay Smagulov, First Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus Iya Malkina were participated in the event, as well as the Adviser of the Social Policy Department of the Department of Social Policy and Information Support of the Standing Committee and the Union State Irina Lukyanova, consultant of the representation of the Standing Committee of the Union State in Minsk Natalia Kononova and others.     In welcome speech to the participants of the meeting, First Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus Iya Malkina stressed: "The joint board of the Committee of the Union State for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring was a unique platform for interaction between the two services for a long time that influence on the development of hydrometeorological activities in Belarus and Russia". "The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus highly appreciates the development of bilateral cooperation between the hydrometeorological services of Belarus and Russia, and joint activities within the framework of the Committee of the Union State on hydrometeorology and of environmental monitoring is inherently unique and can serve as an example for the national hydrometeorological services of other countries "- noted Ms. Malkina. During the two days of the work the boards’ members of the Committee discussed the status of the implementation of the Union State program "Development of the Hydrometeorological Safety System of the Union State for 2017-2021" in 2017, as well as educational project of the Union State in the field of hydrometeorology, experience in meteorological services in Russia and Belarus of major international sporting events, organization of interaction with the owners of "non-state" observation networks, as well as a number of other issues stipulated by the agenda of the meeting.

Measures and weights played an important role in human life from the very beginning of human civilization. Measurements are important for a variety of tasks: building houses, commerce, sewing clothes. In all these cases, some information about the size is required. The need for measurements has led to the emergence of a vast array of different systems of measures and weights - from the simplest to the most complex. Here are what units of physical quantities measurements were on the territory of the Slavic states in the 18th century: 1 verst - 1067 m; 1 sazhen - 2 m 13 cm; 1 verst - 4,44 cm; 1 pood -16.38 kg; 1 pound - 0.409 kg; 1 barrel - 40 buckets; 1 bucket - 12,299 liters; 1 shtof - 1,23 l; 1 cup - 0,123 liters. In order that units of measurements were universal in all countries, May 20, 1875, the Metric Convention was signed. To mark the same World Metrology Day was decided by the International Committee of Weights and Measures (CIPM) in October 1999. The Metric Convention is an agreement for international cooperation in the field of metrology - the science of measurements, and its application in industry, commercial and social spheres. The original goal of the Metric Convention - ensuring the unity of metrological standards in different countries - remains as important and relevant as it was in 1875. Every year, in celebration of World Metrology Day, the International Bureau of Weights and Measures and the International Organization of Legal Metrology implement projects on various pressing topics. The theme of the World Metrology Day of 2018 is the constant evolution of the International System of Units. This topic was chosen because in November 2018 the General Conference on Weights and Measures plans to approve one of the biggest changes in the International System of Units since its inception. The proposed changes are based on the results of studies of new measurement methods that use quantum phenomena as a basis for fundamental standards. The international system of units will be based on definitions of units, each of which is related to the laws of physics, which has the advantages of further improving measurements in science and technology to meet the needs of users for many years to come. Metrology, as a science of measurement, plays a central role in scientific discoveries and innovations, industrial production and international trade, in improving the quality of life and in protecting the environment. Units of physical quantities admitted for use on the territory of the Republic of Belarus are fixed in Technical Regulations TR 2007/003/by. In Belarus, the World Metrology Day is celebrated annually, beginning in 2004. This holiday is a recognition of the results of professional activities of metrologists. Today the measuring instrumentation service of Belhydromet is a team of highly qualified metrological engineers providing a uniform state policy in the field of ensuring the uniformity of measurements in order to protect human interests in the field of hydrometeorological activities. The service of measuring instruments of Belhydromet closely cooperates with state metrological organizations to ensure timely metrological control of the measuring instruments and test equipment used. Dear colleagues, we congratulate you on your professional holiday! We wish to follow your goals, without deviating one millimeter from our dream! Let in your life there will always be something that does not lend itself to any dimensions, what is unlimited and comprehensive: happiness, love, friendship, inspiration! Further success in work!

The climate is the basis for the vitality of the planet, an important natural resource that has a huge impact on the well-being of mankind. From the actions and efforts of each of us, the salvation of the whole Earth and the future of generations depend precisely now. The climate has had and has a significant impact on human activities throughout the history of civilization. The science of climatology, which is one of the oldest sciences, originated on the basis of the practical demands of human society and has always contributed to its development. The word "climate" comes from the Greek "klimatos", which literally translates as "slope". This term was first introduced 2200 years ago by the ancient Greek astronomer Hipparchus. The scientist had in mind the inclination of the earth's surface to the sun's rays, whose difference from the equator to the pole was already considered the cause of the differences in the weather conditions of different latitudes. Currently, the climate is called the long-term regime of atmospheric (weather) conditions, typical for this place of the Earth due to its geographical location. But, if weather conditions undergo changes from year to year, then the climate is stable. It varies only slightly from one long period of time to another, and such changes have the character of oscillations. One of the main characteristics used in describing the climate is a quantity called the climatic norm. The climatic norm is the calculated long-term average value of any meteorological element; for example, the average monthly (annual) amount of precipitation, calculated from materials for a long-term observation period or the average daily (monthly, annual) temperature, also for long-term observations. Also, this may be extreme (extreme) values of meteorological elements observed over a long period; average or deadlines for the onset of certain phenomena; the recurrence of certain atmospheric phenomena or the values of meteorological elements over a long period. Generalized materials are placed in climate guides, the materials of which are extremely important for a correct assessment of climatic resources in various sectors of the economy. From the history of the holiday: The establishment of this ecological holiday was a response to the call of meteorologists to protect the climate as an important resource that affects the well-being of present and future generations. Preservation of the climate is one of the global problems that face humanity today. Global warming, increased ozone in the atmospheric layer, natural disasters, changing weather conditions on the planet - all this leads to a deterioration of the Earth's climate and, as a result, has a negative impact on the food, life and property security of people, deplorable in the state of natural resources and balanced development of states. Modern science can not answer the question of how quickly a catastrophic climate change will occur in the event of a further rise in temperature on Earth. However, according to ecologists and meteorologists, it is quite possible to delay these changes to mankind. Among the main problems that lead to irreversible climate change on the planet is the increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. For the first time this phenomenon was discussed at the world level in 1992 - at the so-called Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Representatives of more than 180 countries signed the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This agreement defined the general principles of state action aimed at stabilizing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at a level that does not threaten the Earth's climate system with a global anthropogenic impact. At the end of 1997, at the third UNFCCC conference in Kyoto, Japan, in addition to the Convention, the famous Kyoto Protocol was adopted, an international instrument requiring developed countries and countries with economies in transition to reduce or stabilize greenhouse gas emissions in 2008-2012 by compared with 1990. Ten years later, in December 2007, another UN conference on climate change was held in Bali, Indonesia. Its participants - representatives of more than 190 states - signed an international agreement calling on world leaders to take the necessary measures so that the commercial and industrial sector could reduce the emission of carbon dioxide. Along with other developed countries, Belarus also makes a significant contribution to the implementation of such decisions. Celebrating this day is necessary in order to spread among more people the seriousness of the problems of irreversible atmospheric processes. The main goal is to focus on finding solutions and taking the necessary measures to mitigate climate change from human interventions. Climatic characteristics of the Republic of Belarus: The territory of Belarus is located in the temperate zone. The climate in Belarus is formed under the influence of Atlantic air, gradually transforming into a continental one and is transitional from marine to continental or moderately continental. The main climate-forming factor is the influence of the Atlantic Ocean. The air masses coming from the west bring cloudy and rainy weather in the summer, and in winter significant warmings and thaws. With the progress to the east, the influence of the ocean is gradually weakening and the continentality of the climate is intensifying. The thermal regime in Belarus is characterized by a positive average annual air temperature, which gradually increases in the south and south-west direction. In the north-east of the Vitebsk region, it is +5.7°C, in the extreme south-west of the Brest region – exceeds +8°C. On average, the temperature of the warmest summer month (July) in the republic is +18.4°С, the coldest winter (January) -4.5°С. For the long-term observation period, the highest air temperature in Belarus was +34 +38°С. Annually in the country it is observed 2-4 days (in the south, up to 6 days), when the temperature rises to +30°C and above, and about 1 to 3 times in 10 years (in the southern half of the republic), the temperature is +35°C and higher. The lowest temperature in the country is -34 -42°С. In the northeast, about 1 time in 25 years, it decreases to -40°C and lower, temperatures below -30°C in the northern half of the republic are observed almost every year. Belarus refers to areas of sufficient moisture. The annual amount of precipitation depends on the terrain and is mainly 600-650 mm on the lowlands of the republic and 650-700 mm - on plains and hills. On average, the total amount of precipitation is close to normal, but in certain years on the territory of the country there are both arid phenomena and excessive moisture. The largest annual amounts of precipitation, recorded for the entire period of meteorological observations, are in the range 850-1000 mm. The minimum annual precipitation is 350-450 mm. In the warm period of the year - from April to October - precipitation falls mainly in the form of rain and is 400-500 mm or 70% of the annual amount of precipitation. The total number of days with precipitation (0.1 mm and more) varies from 145 days in the southeast to 195 days on the western hills. The total duration of precipitation is 1000-1500 hours per year. Winter precipitation, precipitating in a solid form, leads to the formation of a snow cover. The number of days with snow cover in Belarus varies from 75 in the extreme south-west to 125 in the north-east. Relative air humidity in Belarus is high. At night it increases, in the daytime it decreases. In winter and late autumn, the humidity of the air, both at night and during the day, as a rule, exceeds 80%. In the spring-summer period, in the bright part of the day, it decreases, and at 15 hours is, in the main, 50-70%. When the relative humidity of the air drops to 30% and lower, it is said about the air drought. The average number of days with such humidity is small: from 5-10 in the north of the country and on the elevations to 15-20 days in the southeast. High humidity, especially in the cold season, causes frequent fog formation. The average number of days with fogs varies over the country from 35 to 100 per year, increasing with the altitude of the terrain above sea level. The total duration of fogs varies within very wide limits: an average of 200-800 hours with fogs per year. The wind regime of Belarus is conditioned by the general circulation of the atmosphere. In winter, winds predominate south-west, in summer - north-west. The average annual wind speed in the country is about 4 m/s. In a separate point, the wind is increasing every year to 10-15 m s, every 5 years - up to 15-20 m/s. Cloudy weather prevails in Belarus. The number of cloudy days ranges from 175 in the northwest to 125 in the southeast; the number of clear days, in general, is 20-30 per year. The maximum of clear days in most areas of the country falls on March-April, in the southeast of Belarus - in July-September. The duration of sunshine is 1750-1900 hours per year, increasing in the southeast direction. The minimum duration of sunshine is observed in the autumn-winter period, when up to 20 days in a month there are no sun, and on other days the duration of sunshine is an average of about 3 hours. In May and July without sun there are only 1-3 days, on individual days the duration of its radiance increases to 16 hours. The preservation of the Earth's climate depends on every inhabitant of the planet. To make a contribution is not so difficult. For this you can, for example, use a car less often, use energy-saving lighting sources in your apartment, participate in planting trees and protect green spaces. It would seem, little things ... But these "trivia" multiplied by the population of the planet, acquire great importance.

From 7 to 9 May 2018 in Geneva (Switzerland) the global conference "Prosperity through hydrological services" (HydroConference) is held. It aims to promote cooperation in improving the availability of hydrological information around the world by: promoting cooperation for new and existing initiatives, including the organization of data exchange; using the knowledge and experience of all stakeholders in the field of water resources to coordinate efforts to achieve greater impact; mobilizing public and private sector leaders to support key initiatives. One of the main objectives of the conference is to create more effective interaction between hydrological information providers and users who need such information. "By 2050, it is estimated that at least one in four people is likely to live in a country that has suffered from a chronic or recurring deficit of fresh water. The flood damage is about 120 billion dollars a year, and droughts can slow economic growth. Therefore, the first priority is to improve sustainable water management," said Harry Lins, Chairman of the Commission for Hydrology of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). At the conference Belhydromet is represented by Deputy Chief Kuzmich Svetlana, Head of the Hydrology and Agrometeorology Service Zhuravovich Lyudmila and Head of the Information and Polygraphy Department Korzun Eugene.