On September 20, residents of Zhlobin witnessed a picturesque atmospheric phenomenon — a rainbow crown appeared around the Sun in the sky over the city. This is not just a beautiful sight: for meteorologists, such a crown is also a kind of natural barometer that allows short-term weather forecasts to be made. So what is a rainbow crown? It is an optical phenomenon that occurs due to the diffraction of light in small water droplets contained in clouds. Most often, a crown forms on thin altocumulus or cirrocumulus clouds. The mechanism of its appearance is quite elegant: a light wave bends around a droplet, and rays of different colors (that is, different wavelengths) are deflected at different angles. As a result, a rainbow halo appears right next to the solar disk. In this case, a bluish ring forms closer to the Sun, and a reddish one forms at the outer edge. The diameter of the crown directly depends on the size of the water droplets in the cloud: the smaller the droplets, the larger and wider the rainbow ring will be. Thus, the very change in the size of the crown already carries important information about the state of the atmosphere. Observations show that the behavior of the crown can indicate upcoming weather changes: If the crown begins to shrink in size, this is a sign that the water droplets in the clouds are growing larger and becoming heavier. This usually portends a thickening of cloud cover and precipitation — rain or snow, depending on the season. If the crown expands or becomes less bright, it means that the droplets in the clouds are evaporating and decreasing. This sign indicates that the sky will soon clear and the weather will improve. It was precisely this dynamic that was recorded in Zhlobin. Natalya Marchenko , head of the Zhlobin weather station of the Gomeloblhydromet Branch, during her shift was conducting standard observations of the state of the sky and captured this striking phenomenon in a photo. The crown was a series of concentric rings smoothly transitioning from whitish and bluish shades inside to a reddish-orange edge outside. At first it was quite wide and bright, but then it gradually began to shrink. Within a few hours, the sky became overcast with lower and denser clouds, and by evening it was almost completely covered by cloud cover. Thus, a rainbow crown is not only a rare and mesmerizing sight, but also a clear example of how nature gives us clues about upcoming weather changes. Belhydromet specialists continue to closely monitor such atmospheric phenomena, combining modern observation methods with centuries-tested signs to make forecasts even more accurate and timely. Based on materials from the website of the Gomeloblhydromet Branch

On September 24 , Belhydromet and its regional branches joined the Single Safety Day. This annual republican event, initiated by the Ministry of Emergency Situations, is aimed at reducing deaths and injuries from external causes, as well as teaching correct actions in emergency situations. For the Belhydromet team, occupational safety and fire protection are key priorities in their daily work. The central event of the day at the central office was a practical drill on evacuating people during a fire. The training alarm made it possible to verify the realism of the evacuation plan and measure the actual time for bringing personnel out of the administrative and laboratory buildings, as well as from the Observatory and garage buildings. An indicative result was the total evacuation time — 5 minutes, which meets regulatory requirements. Special attention was paid to the coordination of the fire brigade and its interaction with the institution's administration. In the regional branches, the Single Safety Day was held in a busy and substantive way. At the Brestoblhydromet Branch , the evacuation plan was practiced, and employees were familiarized with basic skills in using a fire extinguisher and providing first aid. At the Vitebskoblhydromet Branch , a training evacuation, an inspection of the fire alarm system, and unscheduled briefings were conducted. At the Gomeloblhydromet Branch , a meeting was held with representative of the Ministry of Emergency Situations Irina Ukrainets, who spoke about the importance of autonomous fire detectors and conducted a command-and-staff drill. At the Grodnooblhydromet Branch , the rules for using primary fire extinguishing means and providing first aid were reviewed. At the Mogilevoblhydromet Branch , planned events were held with a viewing of an educational video and a review of action algorithms for false activations of fire automation. Holding the Single Safety Day became an important practical step in strengthening the safety culture of the entire team. Such systematic work guarantees that every employee will act confidently and competently in a real emergency situation.

On September 22-23, 2026 , the 1st meeting of the joint working group on the functioning of the World Meteorological Organization Information System 2.0 (WIS 2.0) in the national centers of the Russian Federation (Moscow) and the Republic of Belarus (Minsk) was held in Moscow. The event was attended by the First Deputy Head of Belhydromet, Tatsiana Chаtyrka , and the Deputy Head of the Communications and Telecommunications Service – Head of the Telecommunications Department, Aleksey Sosnovich, in person, as well as employees of the Communications and Telecommunications Service and the Meteorological and Climate Monitoring Service and the Data Fund of Belhydromet – via videoconference. For reference. This joint working group was established in accordance with paragraph 3 of decision No. 77/5 of May 22–23, 2024, of the joint board of Soyuzkomgidromet. Its main goal is to ensure the effective implementation and uninterrupted functioning of WIS 2.0 nodes in the national centers of Moscow and Minsk, the publication and exchange of hydrometeorological data in accordance with modern WMO standards, as well as monitoring the availability of data from the WMO Integrated Global Observing System within the framework of the Union State. The responsible organizer of the meeting was the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Aviamettelecom of Roshydromet." During the meeting, the following issues were considered: - on the implementation of the Work Plan of the joint working group on the introduction and functioning of WIS 2.0 in 2025–2026; - on the activities of Belhydromet and Roshydromet specialists within the framework of the WIS 2.0 project; - on receiving data from WIS 2.0 and providing it to users; - etc. Belhydromet officials acted as speakers and co-speakers on the agenda items. Following the meeting, decisions were adopted that made it possible to determine the priority areas of activity of the joint working group, and a work plan for the period 2026–2027 was approved. In addition, Belhydromet specialists familiarized themselves with the implementation of the WIS 2.0 node at the FSBI "Aviamettelecom of Roshydromet" and exchanged experience with Russian colleagues on issues of interaction between the national centers and solving technical problems arising during work with the system. Undoubtedly, this event became another step toward further improving the effectiveness of interaction between Belhydromet and Roshydromet in the field of hydrometeorological data exchange.

On September 23 , the Second Republican Youth Women's Forum "Women's Energy for a Great Cause" was held at the Minsk State Palace of Children and Youth. The large-scale event brought together 200 female representatives of the real sector of the economy — industry, agriculture, construction, transport, communications, and trade. Among the participants was also a specialist from the Ideological Work Department of Belhydromet, Daria Velichko . The organizers of the forum were the Public Association "Belarusian Union of Women" and the Youth Council under the Council of the Republic . The main goal was to unlock the potential of young women, support them in matters of family well-being, develop leadership qualities, and create a mutual support network. The key event was an open dialogue with the Chairperson of the Council of the Republic, Natalya Kochanova. In the second half of the day, the participants worked in three expert sections: women's health and self-care, psychological resilience and leadership, as well as the harmonious combination of motherhood with a career. The forum concluded with the adoption of a Resolution that defined the vectors for the development of the youth women's movement in the country. Belhydromet is proud that its employee contributed to this important event!

As part of Mobility Week , which took place in Belarus from 16 to 22 September , Belhydromet specialists conducted air quality monitoring in Minsk. On 21 and 22 September , samples were taken at three locations agreed upon with the Minsk City Committee for Natural Resources and Environmental Protection: Gorky Park, the intersection of Yakub Kolas and Kulman streets, and near the Museum of Boulders. On 21 September , in the area of the recreation zone (Gorky Park) and at the intersection of Yakub Kolas and Kulman streets, and in the area of the recreation zone (Museum of Boulders), the concentration of nitrogen dioxide ranged from 0.13 to 0.21 of the maximum permissible concentration (MPC); in the area of the recreation zone (Museum of Boulders) it was below the method's detection limit. The concentration of formaldehyde in the area of the recreation zone (Museum of Boulders) was 0.33 of the MPC; the concentration at the other points was below the method's detection limit. On 22 September , a slight decrease in the level of atmospheric air pollution was observed. Thus, the concentration of nitrogen dioxide ranged from 0.11 to 0.15 of the MPC in the area of the recreation zone (Gorky Park) and at the intersection of Yakub Kolas and Kulman streets; in the area of the recreation zone (Museum of Boulders) it remained unchanged and was below the method's detection limit. The concentration of carbon monoxide ranged from 0.02 to 0.03 of the MPC. The concentration of formaldehyde was below the method's detection limit at all three points. Such indicators confirm that giving up unnecessary car trips and switching to bicycles or public transport really does help us breathe cleaner air. Mobility Week is a good occasion to check how the city is becoming more environmentally friendly. When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

Car-Free Day is not just an occasion to give up traveling by personal transport, but an opportunity to reflect on the contribution each of us makes to the state of the environment. This year, Belhydromet's regional branches actively supported the campaign and held a whole series of events aimed at popularizing an eco-friendly lifestyle and monitoring air quality. In the branch "Brestoblhydromet," the emphasis was placed on education. For students of the State Educational Institution "Brest Regional Center for Tourism and Local Lore of Children and Youth," an information quest on an environmental theme was organized. In parallel, specialists conducted route surveys of the state of atmospheric air in Brest, Pinsk, and Baranovichi — these data will help assess the current environmental situation in the cities. Young employees from the branch and its separate subdivisions arrived at work by public transport or bicycle. A striking event was a joint bike ride along the eco-trail "Road of Life" together with the Brest Regional Committee for Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, which brought employees together and reminded them of simple ways to reduce the burden on the atmosphere. The branch "Vitebskoblhydromet" focused on direct campaigning and air quality control. In Vitebsk and Braslav, information leaflets were distributed in parking lots and at public transport stops — this way city residents could learn about the benefits of giving up a car and about how transport affects air quality. At the same time, specialists conducted surveys of the state of atmospheric air in Vitebsk, Novopolotsk, and Orsha, recording indicators and analyzing the level of pollution. In Gomel, the opening of a new eco-trail "Chenki" took place, in which employees of the branch "Gomeloblhydromet" also took part. Now residents and guests of the city have another space for walks and getting acquainted with nature. On the basis of the Educational Institution "Gomel State University named after F.Skorina," an exhibition of electric vehicles and interactive events took place, in which the management and employees of the branch participated. Visitors were able to see modern eco-friendly solutions in the transport sector. An important part of the events was a conference organized by the Gomel Regional Committee for Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, in which representatives of the branch also took part. The conference was dedicated to reducing pollutant emissions: experts discussed current approaches and promising technologies that will help improve air quality in the region. In Grodno, the main event was the bike ride "Grodno Residents for Clean Air." The management and employees of the branch "Grodnooblhydromet" not only supported the idea of reducing emissions, but also clearly demonstrated that traveling by bicycle is convenient, useful, and accessible. The campaign attracted the attention of city residents and became an occasion for discussing environmental habits in society. The branch "Mogilevoblhydromet" combined educational and research activities. In the park "Podnikolye," a mobile laboratory for atmospheric air quality control operated: specialists demonstrated how measurements are taken and spoke about the indicators that help assess the state of the air in real time. In parallel, a thematic bike ride took place, which brought together fans of an active lifestyle and supporters of eco-friendly transport. All these events are part of a large effort to shape environmental culture and ensure transparency of data on the state of the environment. Belhydromet employees not only conduct monitoring, but also show that caring for nature begins with simple decisions and conscious choices. Each of us has a choice in favor of clean air and a healthy environment. And it is precisely such campaigns that remind us that even small steps — from a bike ride to a careful attitude toward one's own habits — can become an important contribution to the common cause.

Today, on 22 September , a meeting of the workforce with Oleg Gaidukevich , Deputy of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, Deputy Chairman of the Standing Commission on International Affairs, and Chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party, was held at Belhydromet. The conversation was substantive and touched upon the key foundations on which our society rests. Traditional values, family policy and the civic position of young people were discussed. The meeting was held in the format of an open dialogue. Belhydromet employees were able to ask the speaker questions and receive competent answers on the topics that concerned them. The dialogue was lively and substantive, and the topics raised proved to be close and relevant to the team. The Belhydromet team expresses its sincere gratitude to Oleg Gaidukevich for the time devoted, the open conversation and the opportunity to discuss issues important to society.

As part of Mobility Week , which this year is being held in Minsk from September 16 to 22 , representatives of Belhydromet took an active part in the city bicycle ride organized by the Minsk City Committee for Natural Resources and Environmental Protection. Today, September 22, 2026, in the traditional environmental campaign "Day without a car," the capital united citizens who care about environmental issues in a large-scale cycling movement. Belhydromet employees joined the column of cyclists to demonstrate by their own example their commitment to the principles of sustainable development and care for the city's atmospheric air. The route of the bicycle ride, with a total length of about 9 kilometers, was laid through locations significant to the city. The finish of the route was the area at the entrance to the Victory Memorial and Park Complex, located on Pobediteley Avenue. Here, the participants of the bicycle ride, including the Belhydromet delegation, honored the memory of the country's defenders by laying flowers at the "Minsk — Hero City" stele . This gesture emphasized the importance of continuity between generations and united care for the future of the environment with respect for the past of Belarus. The active participation of Belhydromet employees in such events has deep professional and civic significance. Belhydromet's activities are directly related to the study of the state of the environment, and the personal participation of specialists in campaigns aimed at reducing anthropogenic pressure is a practical confirmation of the words about the need for collective efforts in the struggle for clean air. Belhydromet expresses its gratitude to the organizers for the high level of preparation of the event and calls on all citizens to actively support environmental initiatives by choosing a healthy and nature-friendly way of movement.

On September 18 , 2026, a meeting of the Scientific and Technical Council was held at Belhydromet under the chairmanship of the Head of Belhydromet, Siarhei Khilman. The meeting was attended by members of the Scientific and Technical Council and invited specialists. The agenda included two key issues reflecting important areas of the institution's activities — ambient air quality monitoring and radiation control . The first issue considered was the interim results of the experimental design work "Study of the best available technical methods for measuring the content of carbon oxide (carbon monoxide, code 0337) in the surface layer of the atmosphere and the development of a methodology (method) for measuring its mass concentration in ambient air." The report was presented by Olga Gavrilenko , Head of the Environmental Monitoring Service of Belhydromet. The second issue concerned the results of the work of the commission on putting into operation the "Methodological Guidelines for the Survey and Assessment of the Radiation Situation and the Classification of Populated Areas and Facilities as Radioactive Contamination Zones." The report was presented by Oleg Dyubailo , Head of the Radiation Monitoring Service of Belhydromet. The decisions adopted will make it possible to improve the quality of environmental monitoring and ensure a unified approach to assessing the radiation safety of territories.

On September 18 , World Water Monitoring Day is observed — a date that reminds us of the key role of water quality control for human well-being and the health of ecosystems. Water is the foundation of life, and its condition directly affects the climate, agriculture, industry, and the daily life of each of us. For Belhydromet, water monitoring is not merely a separate area of work, but an integral part of comprehensive hydrometeorological activity. Specialists of the Surface Water Monitoring Department of the Environmental Monitoring Service conduct regular observations of the state of surface waters, track hydrobiological indicators, record the dynamics of changes, and build a body of data on the basis of which forecasts are made, management decisions are taken, and environmental protection measures are developed. The accuracy of measurements, a systematic approach, and the use of modern methods make it possible to detect even minor deviations from the norm and respond to possible risks in a timely manner. In this work, every detail matters: from proper sampling to correct desk processing and comprehensive analysis of results. It is precisely this thoroughness that makes the Environmental Monitoring Service of Belhydromet a reliable source of objective information on the state of the country's water resources. The work of the Environmental Monitoring Service of Belhydromet is a daily contribution to the environmental security and sustainable development of the country. Not only operational decisions in emergency situations, but also long-term programs for the preservation of water ecosystems, rational water use, and adaptation to climate change depend on the quality of these data. We congratulate our colleagues, partners, and everyone who contributes to preserving the purity of water resources on World Water Monitoring Day! May the accuracy of observations, responsibility, and a scientific approach remain a reliable foundation in this important work!