Belhydromet realizes a number of major projects, which were supported by the President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko currently. First, it is a building of the meteorological and aerological observation complex “Minsk” in the district of military town. Building of a new meteorological and aerological observation station started on April 2, 2018. The complex put into operation on April 5, 2018. Uniqueness of the new complex consists of integrated approach of different observing networks functioning: surface meteorological, actinometric, hydrological and aerological. The most modern equipment and instruments purchased and set for producing of all types of observations.  Surface meteorological observations are conducted on a 24-hour basis with the help of automated information measurement system produced by belarusian company OAO “Peleng”. System consists of 25 sensors and includes observations of state, change and atmosphere processes development, including dangerous and adverse hydrometeorological phenomena, measurement of parameters and identification of meteorological characteristics (74 characteristics and parameters).  Actinometric observations carries out automatically with the help of 5 sensors that are installed in actinometric station produced by belarusian company OAO “Peleng” and includes in a streaming operation mode a radiative regime data receiving: direct, ambient, total solar radiation, surface reflected radiation, radiation balance. Atmosphere radiosonde measurement have stopped in 1998 because of the renovation in the building of observatory and equipment removal and was resumed with putting into operation of the Complex. Third sounding point opening in the center of the Republic of Belarus together with operating points of aerological observations in Brest and Gomel enables to capture temperature-wind sounding in the whole territory of the country. The data will be used not only for prognostic purposes of Belarusian forecasters, but will expand presence of Belarus in international information exchange. The one wind-temperature SODAR in mobile version put into operation on the territory of complex. Usage of such equipment enables to produce real-time continuous monitoring of temperature and wind parameters in low atmosphere layers in the purpose of providing dangerous meteorological phenomenon, to conduct radiation and ecological monitoring in Minsk and on the territory of BelNPP for calculation of pollution spread in case of hazardous situation. Project for the development of radiolocation observation network also received a support. A modern radars usage lets receive actual weather information in real time mode, including storm danger warnings and adverse weather phenomena and quickly changing weather and forecast its development in the near future.  Belhydromet has three radars at its disposal: in Minsk, Gomel and Brest. There is a plan to install one in Vitebsk and Grodno and also to change radar in Brest. Installation work of Vitebsk radar was finished on December 2018. Work on choosing land for DMR is conducting in Grodno now.  Network of Belhydromet stationary observation points covers not a whole territory of Belarus, especially in part of precipitations. Currently meteorological network in Belarus consists of 51 observation stations, 38 of them have automated meteorological systems.  Increase of meteorological observation stations up to 60 is expected by 2020.  In frames of extension of meteorological observation networks started actions on automated meteorological stations installing. It’s also a new Belhydromets project. Automated meteorological station already functioning in Polotsk and Shchuchin. 2 stations in Grodno and Soligorsk were installed by the end of 2018.  Extension of observation network trough implement of automated stations do not requires stuff increasing and lets receive meteorological information in real time mode on territories which are not covered by stationary observation points. 

 

In connection with high audience demand for absence of data from locator placed at the national airport Minsk State institution "Republican center for hydrometeorology, control of radioactive contamination and environmental monitoring" (Belhydromet) reports that for the moment second airstrip at the National airport Minsk is being built. Locator is transferred to a new position. Commissioning time will be reported later. 

The 9th session of the authorized of the Government of the Republic of Belarus and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine upon the implementation of the Agreement on the joint use and protection of transboundary waters was held in city of Novaya Kahovka (Ukraine) on September 24-27, 2018. The cooperation of the Belarusian and Ukrainian parties within the framework of this agreement is aimed to develop coordinated water management and water protection activities, to protect and use of transboundary waters, to prevent and restrict the discharges of harmful substances into the aquatic environment. The meeting was attended by Government Plenipotentiaries, as well as heads of national parts of the working groups. The Belarusian delegation was headed by the authorized Minister of the Republic of Belarus for the implementation of the Agreement, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus – A. Khmel. The head of the Belarusian part of the working group on hydrometeorology –  Y. Lesnichy and the head of the Belarusian part of the working group on the protection and control of water quality – E.Bogodazh. During the meeting, a number of issues related to the implementation of decisions taken at the previous meeting, reports on the activities of the working groups and plans for their work for the next period were considered. As results of the session, a protocol was signed, the composition of bilateral working groups and their work plans for 2019 were approved.

The meeting with the group of experts of the international technical assistance project “Support for Effective Monitoring of Air Emissions and Radiation Monitoring, Improving Environmental Management in Belarus” was held in Belhyromet on September 25, 2018. Representatives of Belarus, Sweden and Slovakia discussed the preparation of a tender dossier on lots of laboratory equipment, air quality monitoring stations and field devices, a calibration laboratory data collection and processing system, traffic sensor sensor systems, final verification of needs, clarified technical specifications, evaluated methodological validity and discussed the status of the air quality monitoring and management system in Belarus, as well as the development of appropriate recommendations for its development at the meeting. The refinement of the technical specification and the final verification of the need for technical re-equipment of the air monitoring network of the Republic of Belarus was the result of the meeting.

 In the coming weekends, uncertain weather with rains is expected in the Republic.  On Saturday under the influence of active atmospheric fronts, rains with various intensity are forecast mainly in the south-west at night, in most of the country in the morning and at daylight hours. Temperature will considerably decrease especially at night hours. Short-term rains are forecast mainly in eastern part of the country at night hours on Sunday. Significant precipitation is not expected in the area of increased atmospheric pressure throughout the rest of the country. At the beginning of next week (17-18 September), influence of atmospheric fronts will have an impact on the northern regions of Belarus where short-term rains are forecast. Temperature will be in general +5 +13°С, in some areas - +2 +4°С, prevailing temperature at daylight hours – +15 +21°С, in the south-west – 1-2 degrees warmer.  As at 14 September, there is an increase of water levels with the intensity 1-25 cm per day on the Zapadnaya Dvina near Polotsk-Verhnedvinsk, on the Viliya near Mikhalishki village, on the Berezina near Svetlogorsk and on some of its affluents as well as on the affluents of the Neman, the Zapadnyi Bug and the Pripyat. Decrease of water levels is observed on the rest of the rivers as well as on the Dnieper, the Sozh and the Pripyat.  Unfavourable conditions for river transport are observed on the shipping areas of the Zapadnaya Dvina, the Neman, the Dnieper, the Berezina and the Sozh. Weather conditions of last week contributed, in general, to potato harvesting, rise of flax straw, fodder, fruits and vegetables conservation. Warm weather and sufficient water availability in most of areas contributed to formation of winter vegetables harvest, second crops and winter rape development. Favourable conditions for growth and drying of maize grain. In the coming days, expected rains will complicate field works. Because of long-term precipitation deficit, mainly in southern part of the Republic, agrometeorological conditions for formation of agricultural crops harvest and winter cereal crops sowing remain difficult – topsoil is poor moistened in many areas, in some places – completely dry. Conditions for sowing and emergence of winter cereal crops seedlings are unfavourable here. In the coming days expected rains of various intensity should ameliorate water availability of agricultural crops. However, because of uneven distribution defecit of moisture content in soil can remain in certain areas.

 In the coming weekends warm weather, in general, without precipitation remains in the Republic. Character of the weather will start changing at the beginning of next week (10-11 September). Atmospheric fronts from Western Europe will be determined by short-term rains in certain areas of the country, there is a possibility of thunderstorms at daylight hours. Temperature will begin to decrease and will be close to its multiyear value. In the middle of the week (Wednesday) uncertain weather with short-term rains is expected, thunderstorms are possible. There is a possibility of fog night and day, Air temperature at night will range from +9 to +16°С, in most of the country – +18 +23°С at daylight hours, in southern part – 1-2°С warmer. As at 7 September, there is a decrease of water levels with the intensity 1-14 cm per day. Unfavourable conditions for river transport are observed on the shipping areas of the Zapadnaya Dvina, on the Neman, on the Dnieper, on the Berezina and on the Sozh. In the coming days a decrease of water levels is expected on the rivers of Belarus, fluctuations of water levels will be expected on the rivers next week. Agrometeorological conditions for soil treatment and autumn sowing are ambiguous. After recent rains in the western part of Vitebsk region and some areas of Grodno region, overmoistening of 10 cm topsoil is observed. In the coming days under the influence of warm weather, mainly without precipitations, topsoil of overmoistened soil will dry thereby increasing the terms of winter cereal crops sowing. Weather will be well favourable for potato, maize for silage and grain harvesting, fodder conservation and rise of flax straw. Expected short-term rains at the beginning of next week could complicate harvest works mainly in northern part of the country.  Deficit of precipitation and soil moisture is observed in the south-eastern part of Belarus, topsoil is poor moistened in many areas, at certain sites – completely dry. Conditions for winter cereal crops sowing, winter rape development are unfavourable here. Moisture deficit could remain because of uneven distribution of expected precipitations. In many areas of south-eastern part of the country.

In the coming weekends, weather conditions in Belarus will be determined by the influence of slow-moving atmospheric front on the west side, influence of the area of high atmospheric pressure and warm air masses still remain on the east side. Changing weather patterns is expected. Short-term rains of varied intensity, in some areas with thunderstorms are forecast in the western and central parts of the country. There will be heavy rains in certain places. Significant temperature contrast is expected between north-west and south-east of the country. At the beginning of next week (Monday, August 27), influence of front separation will be expanded throughout the country. Short-term rains are forecast in most of the country, in some areas with thunderstorms. Precipitations are forecast in general in the eastern part of Belarus, expansion of cooler air masses from north-west Europe are expected following front separation in future, temperature will fall significantly. As at 24 August, according to data of state network of hydrometeorological observations, a decrease of water levels with the intensity 1-14 cm per day prevails on the rivers of Belarus.  Unfavourable conditions for river transport are registered on the Zapadnaya Dvina near Vitebsk, on the Neman near Grodno, on the Dnieper near Mogilev, Zhlobin, Rechitsa and Loev , on the Berezina near Bobruysk and Svetlogorsk, on the Sozh near Krichev and Slavgorod, water levels here are below the marks that limit shipping. In the coming days, fluctuations of water levels with a tendency towards decreasing will be observed on the rivers, water level will fall below dangerous mark for shipping on the Sozh near Gomel. Because of continued deficit of precipitations in most of the country, 10 cm topsoil is still is poor moistened state, it is completely dry in some areas of Brest region, in the west of Vitebsk region and in the east of Mogilev region. Difficult agrometeorological conditions for soil treatment, sowing and cruciferous plants seedling emergence remain on areas with insufficient moistening. Good moistening of soil at depth of 10 cm is registered in many areas of Gomel region, in south-east and north-west parts of Minsk region, in the remaining regions – only in certain areas. Conditions for formation of late agricultural crops harvest are satisfactory. Growth of root crops and late vegetables, grass regrowing in some areas, especially in Brest region, proceed with insufficient soil moisture. In this, conditions for sugar accumulation in root crops are better than last year for this period. In the coming days, expected rains will fulfil moisture content in soil benefiting agrometeorological situation for autumn sowing and formation of late crops harvest. 

In the coming weekends, weather conditions will be determined by influence of warm, moist unstable air masses from the Ukraine. Erratic weather conditions with intermittent thundery rains are expected, however rains will be spread unevenly throughout the country and with varied intensity. Temperature will rest elevated. At the beginning of the week (Monday-Tuesday, 20-21 Fugust) weather patterns will not change significantly. Precipitations with increase of atmospheric pressure will stop by the end of the working week, temperature will be substantially different between south and north parts of the country. At the beginning of third decade of August decrease of water levels will be registered on most of the rivers in Belarus. As at 17 August, according to data of state network of hydrometeorological observations, there is balanced running of water levels and its small decrease with the intensity 1-12 cm per day on the rivers of the Republic. Unfavourable conditions for river transport are observed on the Zapadnaya Dvina near Vitebsk, on the Neman near Grodno, on the Dnieper near Mogilev, Zhlobin and Rechitsa, on the Berezina near Bobruysk, on the Sozh near Krichev and Slavgorod, water levels here are below the marks that limit shipping. Water levels are close to marks that limit shipping on the Berezina near Svetlogorsk, on the Dnieper near Loev and on the Sozh near Gomel.  Predominance of elevated temperature regime coupled with deficit pf precipitations caused loss of moisture especially from topsoil. 10 cm soil layer is in a weakly-moist state in most of the country. Topsoil is dry in some areas of Gomel and Mogilev regions, in the north of Brest region and in the west of Vitebsk region. It makes difficult soil treatment for winter crops and winter rape sowing. Past rains of mid-August refilled moist content in soil mainly in north-western half of the country. Intermittent rains did not influence significantly completion of spiked cereals harvesting, working time of combines could be reduced in Vitebsk region only. Because of reduction of moist content in soil, decline in root crops growth was registered. In this, weather conditions contribute to increase of root crops sugariness. Maize ripening is registered 1,5-2 weeks in advance in southern and western parts of the Republic. It is optimum time for harvest of maize for silage. In the coming days, expected intermittent rains refill moisture content in soil but not everywhere. Moisture deficit remains in some areas and still makes it difficult to sowing and emerging of winter rape, late agricultural crops harvesting.

Workshop on the Implementation of the International Radiation Monitoring Information System (IRMIS) was organized by IAEA during the period from 16 to 19 July, 2018. Maria Kadatskaya, chief of department for ecological information providing, took part in this event. The purpose of the event is to improve awareness and understanding of IRMIS among the points of contact and designated Data Providers for IRMIS, in particular by enhancing their knowledge of the implementation arrangements established for sharing large amounts of routine and emergency radiation monitoring data. In addition, the event will provide an opportunity to present the features and functionalities of IRMIS and share the experiences of Member States that use IRMIS as part of their emergency preparedness and response operations. Main purpose of this workshop is to gain knowledge about technical and administrative mechanisms and instruments provided by IRMIS to benefit from implementation of the data sharing platform for their national system of radiation monitoring. Participants were provided with guide for the IRMIS implementation on corresponding platforms of information technologies of country including joint use of large number of routine and emergency radiation monitoring data. Participants gained an understanding of technical requirements for radiation monitoring system of member states in collection, storage and communication of data to IRMIS using safe transmission processing protocol. Through theirs participation, participants learned about: IRMIS using for exchange of large amount of routine and emergency radiation monitoring data; Requirements for equipment and software which should be provided by IRMIS data providers for collection of radiation monitoring data; Practical applications for IRMIS and technical duties arising from country participation; Routine monitoring data preparation in accordance with format 1.0 of IRIX for reporting to IRMIS as well as General applicability if IRMIS in routine and emergency regimes including all its functions and embedded instruments.