On 19 August 2026 , the head office of JSC "ASB Belarusbank" hosted a Unified Information Day (UID) on the topic "Environmental culture – everyone's responsibility." The event was held under the chairmanship of Viktor Ananich , Chairman of the Management Board of the Bank, and served as an important platform for discussing the role of every individual in preserving the environment and fostering environmentally responsible behaviour. The keynote speaker of the UID was Siarhei Khilman , Head of Belhydromet. In his address, he emphasised the close interconnection between the state of the environment, climate change and the everyday activities of society. Siarhei Khilman stressed that environmental culture is not merely a body of knowledge, but a system of values and habits that should become the norm for every citizen, regardless of their field of activity or position. During his speech, the Head of Belhydromet presented up-to-date data on the state of the environment in Belarus and outlined key environmental trends and climate changes observed in recent years. Particular attention was paid to the role of the hydrometeorological service in monitoring the state of the natural environment – from air and water quality observations to the tracking of long-term climate trends. Siarhei Khilman also highlighted the importance of timely public information on weather and environmental risks. He provided examples of how operational forecasts and warnings help minimise the consequences of adverse hydrometeorological events and facilitate informed decision-making in the economy and social sector. A separate part of the report was devoted to practical steps that every individual can take to reduce their negative impact on the environment. The speaker shared simple yet effective recommendations for developing eco-friendly habits – from resource conservation to conscious consumption and proper waste disposal. He emphasised that everyone's contribution matters and that collective efforts can lead to significant positive change. The event participants actively asked questions, showing interest in climate change projections for the coming decades, as well as in the measures being taken in the country to adapt to new climatic conditions. Sergey Khilman provided detailed answers to all questions, citing specific examples of implemented projects and current initiatives in the field of environmental monitoring and education. The Unified Information Day at JSC "ASB Belarusbank" marked another step forward in fostering environmental culture in society. The event clearly demonstrated that environmental protection issues are relevant to representatives of all sectors, including the financial sector, and require joint efforts from the state, business and citizens. Belhydromet will continue its active educational work and cooperation with various organisations in order to promote responsible attitudes towards the environment and enhance the environmental literacy of the population.

In 2026, the hydrological station "Ryta River – Malyye Radvanichi" of the "Brestoblhydromet" Branch of Belhydromet is marking a momentous date. Exactly 100 years ago, regular observations of the Ryta River regime began here, and throughout all these years, the station has remained a vital link in the region's water body monitoring system. Over 100 years of uninterrupted service , a unique wealth of data has been accumulated on water level fluctuations, temperature regimes, and ice phenomena. This information is invaluable not only for flood forecasting but also for ensuring public safety. Fyodor and Valentina Gilyazetdinov have been working at the hydrological station for over 20 years . Their work is crucial and demands total dedication, as they follow a strict schedule to monitor water levels and temperatures in all weather conditions. In addition, they maintain the beauty and order of the station's grounds. Belhydromet congratulates the hydrological station "Ryta River – Malyye Radvanichi" on its 100th anniversary! One hundred years of continuous operation represent an entire era, filled with painstaking daily work and precision - a living history in which every measurement and every indicator has become a building block in the foundation of modern hydrology. Special words of gratitude go to Fyodor and Valentina Gilyazetdinov , who have been faithfully and responsibly carrying out their watch for more than 20 years. You continue the station's glorious traditions, carefully passing on experience and maintaining the highest standards of work. We wish the station's team new achievements, stability, prosperity, and many more years of successful work. May the station's history continue, and may its contribution to science and safety remain as significant as ever! The article was prepared based on materials from the website of "Brestoblhydromet" .

On August 18 , Belhydromet hosted a working visit by a delegation from the Department of Construction Control and Supervision of the State Committee for Standardization of the Republic of Belarus. The delegation was led by First Deputy Director Yuri Bulakhov . During the visit, the guests were shown Belhydromet's key facilities, allowing them to fully appreciate the scale and significance of the institution's work. Representatives of Gosstroynadzor visited the structural divisions of the metrological service , where they were introduced to the processes ensuring measurement accuracy – the very foundation of reliable hydrometeorological observations. Of particular interest to the guests was the Belhydromet History Museum : the exhibition allowed them to trace the path of the country's hydrometeorological service from its inception to its current state, and to see how observation and forecasting methods have evolved over decades. After visiting the museum, the delegation continued its introduction to advanced meteorological technologies by heading to the Doppler weather radar . This state-of-the-art system, which was installed at Minsk National Airport between 2010 and 2023 , represents a powerful tool for monitoring atmospheric phenomena. The tour of the Doppler weather radar gave the delegation a deeper understanding of modern meteorological observation and forecasting methods, as well as an appreciation of how cutting-edge technologies contribute to safety and sustainable development. Next, the delegation learned about the work of the Department of Operational Radiation Control and Emergency Monitoring Data – one of the most critical components of the environmental safety system. The head of the department presented the mechanisms for data collection, processing, and transmission that enable a rapid response to potential threats. Equally significant part of the programme was a visit to the Department of Short‑term Weather Forecasts and Adverse and Hazardous Phenomena . Here, the guests were briefed on modern forecasting approaches and methods for timely public and agency alerts. An important element of the meeting was the discussion of a shared environmental agenda . Issues of cooperation in this area were considered within the framework of the Unified Information Day theme. The parties outlined potential areas of collaboration that would strengthen coordination of efforts in environmental monitoring and enhance environmental sustainability. The visit marked another step towards strengthening interagency cooperation and fostering experience exchange between agencies united by a common goal – ensuring the safety and well-being of the citizens of the Republic of Belarus.

A dry thunderstorm is a thunderstorm with thunder and lightning but observed without precipitation or with very little rainfall. This is the main difference between "dry" thunderstorms and ordinary ones. In fact, precipitation does occur during a dry thunderstorm, but it does not always reach the ground surface. Such thunderstorms are typically observed during the hot season, when temperatures are high and relative air humidity is low. The falling precipitation evaporates completely or partially in the hot and dry air before reaching the ground. This phenomenon is called "virga," and colloquially it may be referred to as "phantom rain" or "precipitation trails," which appear as grey streaks hanging beneath the cloud base. In August, as well as in other dry and hot summer months (and also, depending on prevailing weather conditions, in late spring and early autumn), such thunderstorms most often occur against the backdrop of severe drought and extreme heat, creating a high risk of natural fires due to lightning strikes igniting dry vegetation. The most common areas where dry thunderstorms may occur are arid regions of steppes, deserts, and mountainous areas. However, in recent years, they have also been observed in places where they were previously rare, especially during periods of extreme heat anomalies or after prolonged anticyclones. A dry thunderstorm is, in some ways, even more dangerous than a frontal or air-mass thunderstorm, because lightning under such conditions often causes large fires, and the strong winds accompanying the thunderstorm contribute to the rapid, uncontrolled spread of fire. There is no specific statistics on the number of dry thunderstorms, but due to global warming, the annual number of dry thunderstorms is increasing. According to scientists, an increase in the average annual air temperature by just 1°C raises the number of "phantom rains" by more than 10%. Several factors must coincide for a dry thunderstorm to occur: 1) "mature" cumulonimbus clouds at an altitude of 2,500 to 3,000 meters above sea level, which is not entirely typical for the latitudes of Belarus; 2) air temperatures above 30°C , when the air is so hot that raindrops simply do not reach the ground, evaporating in the atmosphere; 3) low relative air humidity (below 30-40 %). Thus, in Belarus, under conditions of prolonged hot weather, a dry thunderstorm is possible, but more often the formation of the bases of powerful cumulonimbus clouds, which are associated with thunderstorm activity, occurs at altitudes of up to 1,500 meters, and as a result, the precipitation still manages to reach the ground. However, precipitation may fall from one side of the cloud, away from the lightning discharges, giving the impression that the thunderstorm is "dry." Heat lightning is a flash of light on the horizon caused by lightning from a distant thunderstorm. In this case, thunder is usually not heard due to the distance, but lightning flashes are visible, with their light reflecting off cumulonimbus clouds. In temperate latitudes, this phenomenon is caused by the reflection of lightning flashes from cloud masses. Heat lightning can last for several hours in a row, attracting attention with its high frequency and spectacular appearance. The difference between the visible and audible effects is enormous: while thunderclaps fade out at a distance of 15-20 km from the epicenter, the reflections of the lightning itself in the night sky can be detected at distances of up to 160 km. Heat lightning is most often observed in warm, unstable tropical air masses, as well as in warm frontal zones during the evening or nighttime hours in the warm season. In late summer, in August, nights become noticeably longer and darker, making nighttime heat lightning more visible. When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

On August 17 , Belhydromet served as a venue for an open dialogue on the theme "Dialogue of initiatives: uniting ideas." The meeting focused on young professionals – those who are already taking their first confident steps in their careers while actively thinking about how to make their work and life in the country even better. The key speaker at the event was Vladislava Batura , Second Secretary of the Pervomaisky District Committee of the BRSM (Belarusian Republican Youth Union). During the meeting, she shared approaches to engaging young people in socially significant activities, spoke about ongoing projects, and highlighted opportunities for self-fulfillment available to young people. The discussion centered on critical issues : how to attract and unite working youth, what conditions need to be created to enable young professionals to actively participate in public life and contribute to the development of their industry. Special attention was paid to fostering an environment where initiative does not go unnoticed and ideas have a chance to be implemented. The main goal of the meeting was to expand opportunities for young people – to give them more room for professional growth, competence development, and informal networking that helps build connections and generate new solutions. Participants not only had the chance to hear expert opinions but also to speak out themselves, share their proposals, and raise issues of concern to them. Belhydromet reaffirms its commitment to developing human resources and creating conditions in which young people feel valued and see real prospects in their chosen profession. Such dialogues are becoming an important platform for exchanging views and seeking joint solutions – and will be held on a regular basis.

On August 17, an open dialogue was held at Belhydromet between young specialists and the institution's management. The meeting took place in the format of a constructive conversation, where everyone could voice their thoughts, ask pressing questions, and hear answers from the top officials. The speakers included Deputy Chief Mikhail Kavalenka , Lead HR specialist Polina Basalai , and Chairperson of the Primary Trade Union Organization Anastasia Zhed . This composition of experts made it possible to cover a wide range of topics – from career prospects to the nuances of labor regulation. The key discussion topics were support and the creation of conditions for the professional growth of young personnel. The management representatives emphasized that developing competencies and providing opportunities for realizing potential are among the priorities of Belhydromet's human resources policy. Special attention was paid to the development of corporate life and the activation of the youth movement: ideas were put forward for organizing thematic events, volunteer initiatives, and professional competitions that would help unite the team and unlock the talents of emerging specialists. An equally important part of the conversation was the discussion of labor discipline compliance and the role of the collective agreement as the foundation of fair and transparent labor relations. The speakers clarified the key provisions of the document and answered questions about the guarantees and social benefits available to young employees. The open dialogue clearly demonstrated that Belhydromet's youth have a clear demand for development, participation in the organization's life, and the implementation of their own initiatives. At the same time, the management shows a willingness to hear these demands, support promising ideas, and create conditions for growth. Such meetings are becoming an important platform for exchanging views, shaping common goals, and strengthening the bond between generations of specialists. After all, it is through joint discussion that the strategy for the future is born – and Belhydromet continues to build this future together with its young personnel.

The Lyntupy weather station is a place where every day the story of nature is transformed into precise figures and observations, helping to better understand the climatic features of the region, forecast changes, and preserve valuable meteorological data for science and society. In August 2026, the weather station celebrates its 85th anniversary. The Lyntupy meteorological station is a structural subdivision of the Branch "Vitebskoblgidromet" of Belhydromet, which has been conducting round-the-clock weather observations continuously since 1941 . Over the decades of operation, the work of meteorologists has undergone significant changes. The introduction of modern instruments and equipment, computer technologies, and Internet services has made it possible to substantially improve the methods of conducting observations, processing the obtained data, and promptly transmitting hydrometeorological information to consumers. The range of meteorological parameters observed at the station is very broad: visibility range, cloud height and forms, air temperature and humidity, soil surface temperature, atmospheric pressure and its characteristics, wind speed and direction, amount, type and intensity of precipitation, atmospheric phenomena and radiation background levels. Since the weather station is located near the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant, observations of radioactive fallout from the atmosphere and airborne aerosols are also conducted. The Lyntupy weather station conducts standard meteorological observations at 8 synoptic intervals and operates under the Category 2 station program. Every 3 hours according to Coordinated Universal Time, the duty meteorologist records all required parameters and enters them into a special logbook; the information is then transmitted in coded form to the Belhydromet data collection center, and subsequently to global weather centers. The Lyntupy weather station is staffed by a team of professionals with impressive experience. The team is headed by Lyudmila Litvinovich, who has devoted 27 years to meteorology. She works alongside four experienced employees: Maria Vershilo ( 34 years of service), Oksana Zubanova ( 32 years of service), Zhanna Litvinovich ( 20 years of service) and Svetlana Blashko ( 18 years of service). Continuous observations of atmospheric phenomena enable meteorologists to promptly record the intensification of phenomena to unfavorable and dangerous thresholds and to transmit storm warnings regarding the strengthening of such phenomena as heavy snow, heavy rain, strong winds, severe hail, etc. One of the main tasks of the meteorological station is to inform the public and enterprises about current and future atmospheric processes, to provide timely warnings of adverse and hazardous weather phenomena, and to supply hydrometeorological information to the mass media. In 2019 , the Lyntupy weather station put into operation an automatic station AMIIS (automated meteorological measuring and information system S-01), which allows meteorological parameters to be obtained on a continuous basis. In addition to meteorological observations, the station also carries out agrometeorological observations and work, which began in April 1962 . Today, this area is overseen by Liliya Antanovich , a Category I agrometeorological engineer who has devoted 24 years to her profession. Thanks to her many years of experience and high qualifications, the continuity and high quality of agrometeorological observations are ensured. The agrometeorological observation program includes: assessment of crop conditions, observations of developmental phases, plant height and density, weed infestation, damage to agricultural crops, and determination of yield structure. During the growing season, at the end of each ten-day period, instrumental determination of soil moisture by layers and determination of grain moisture during grain harvesting are carried out. In winter, the agrometeorologist monitors the temperature at the tillering node depth, soil freezing and thawing, as well as snow cover height on agricultural fields with winter crops. In January and February, the viability of winter grain crops is assessed in the fields with overwintering crops. Over the 85 years of the station's operation, much has changed. The staff has been renewed more than once; however, one thing has remained unchanged – the dedication of the employees to their work. Many of them devoted decades to the station and retired with impressive work records reaching 47 years. A vivid example of loyalty to the profession are the labor veterans Evgenia Zubkova and Yadviga Virshilo . The staff of Belhydromet congratulates the team of the Lyntupy meteorological station on its 85th anniversary! 85 years of continuous work is not just a number — it is thousands of observations and millions of recorded data points. It is daily work that requires precision, responsibility, and genuine dedication. You preserve a unique weather chronicle that serves not only science but also the entire country — helping to plan agricultural work, ensure transport safety, and make important decisions in the economy and social sphere. We thank the entire station staff for their conscientious work, reliability, and commitment to the profession. Deep gratitude to the veterans: your experience and traditions have become the solid foundation on which the station's work is built today. We wish the entire staff of the Lyntupy weather station continued success, stable equipment operation, and, of course, good weather! May your work always be in demand and duly appreciated, and may the station continue to move forward with confidence, combining time-tested methods with the most modern technologies. Information prepared based on materials from the website of the Branch "Vitebskoblhydromet"

Belarus uses a 4 -level color-coded scale (green, yellow, orange, red) to assess weather hazards. It helps to quickly understand how serious the threat is. Green : the weather is not hazardous. Yellow : the weather is potentially hazardous. In some areas (less than 30% of the territory), adverse hydrometeorological phenomena are expected: heavy precipitation, thunderstorms, strong gusty winds, extreme heat/frost, and others. These phenomena are typical for Belarus but may be dangerous for certain types of activities. Orange : the weather poses a real danger. Over most of the country (30% or more of the territory), adverse phenomena are expected, and in some areas (less than 30% of the territory), hazardous hydrometeorological phenomena (very heavy precipitation, very strong winds, large hail, extreme heat/frost, and others) are expected. There is a threat of significant material damage and possible casualties. Red : the weather is very dangerous. Over most of the territory, hazardous hydrometeorological phenomena are expected, which pose a threat to public safety and may cause serious material damage and multiple casualties.   When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

When convective processes develop, a meteorologist cannot do without analyzing data from satellite monitoring and radar sounding, which make it possible to determine the presence of cumulonimbus clouds, their structure, characteristics – including the temperature of the cloud top – as well as associated convective phenomena (thunderstorms, heavy downpours, squalls). Belarus's radar sounding network includes 5 modern Doppler weather radars (DWRs) installed in Minsk, Brest, Grodno, Vitebsk, and Gomel, with a coverage radius of 200 km each, which allows radar observations to cover virtually the entire territory of our country. The DWRs scan the sky around the clock and make it possible to look inside clouds to detect the birth of hazardous phenomena. With the help of radars, meteorologists can: - monitor the movement of cloud formations and cloud growth in near-real time (every 10 minutes); - detect convective cells (powerful cumulonimbus clouds) associated with thunderstorms, hail, heavy downpours, and squalls. Although squalls are among the most difficult phenomena to forecast, radars provide a crucial advantage – they allow the approach of such convective phenomena to be detected 1-3 hours in advance. On a radar image, a squall appears as a bow-shaped curved band (Bow Echo) or a sharp line with a "ragged" edge. Most often, these are elongated, well-defined bands of extremely high reflectivity (from 45 to 60 dBZ and above), moving in the same direction. The leading edge of such a band is sharp and smooth; it is precisely there that the outflow of cold air occurs, causing the squall. The squall line moves very quickly (up to 60-80 km/h). On DWR imagery, one can see how the arc bends forward, with its center (the apex of the arc) being the most dangerous spot, where the wind is strongest. Having detected such a pattern, the meteorologist understands that near the ground, wind gusts are likely to exceed 25 m/s, and there are grounds for issuing a storm warning for a hazardous hydrometeorological phenomenon. All convective processes develop within minutes. To predict large hail and supercell thunderstorms, meteorologists also look at the height of the cloud top – if it penetrates the tropopause and reaches 12-15 km, then adverse and hazardous hydrometeorological phenomena can be expected. When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

As part of the ongoing series of inspections of Ministry of Natural Resources facilities, an important visit took place to the Minsk meteorological station — the second stage of a detailed study of Belhydromet's operations. The station was visited by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus, Maksim Lysenko . The Minsk meteorological station operates around the clock: the well-coordinated work of a team of 8 specialists ensures the conduct of all types of necessary observations. During the visit, the head of the agency familiarized himself in detail with the organization of the station's work: he examined the material base and infrastructure of the facility, reviewed operational telegrams and observation data, and analyzed the condition and operational efficiency of the equipment. Particular attention during the inspection was paid to the role of the collected information in forecasting dangerous and adverse hydrometeorological phenomena. A key element of accurate forecasts and timely storm warnings is aerological sounding data. As a member of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Republic of Belarus strictly fulfills its international obligations to conduct meteorological observations, contributing to the global atmospheric monitoring system. Aerological probes record the most important atmospheric parameters — temperature, humidity, pressure, and wind speed — at various altitudes. These data are critical for addressing a number of key tasks: - determining the trajectory and speed of air mass movement; - assessing the instability energy of the atmosphere, which serves as an indicator of the potential danger of extreme hydrometeorological events; - forecasting summer convective phenomena — such as thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, hail, and squalls. Despite their local nature, these phenomena often lead to significant damage, so their early detection is one of the priority tasks of the hydrometeorological service. A highlight of the visit was the Minister's personal participation in the workflow: Maksim Vladimirovich launched a radiosonde with his own hands. This symbolic yet professionally significant step clearly demonstrated the close connection between the agency's leadership and the practical side of meteorologists' work, emphasizing the importance of observations in the overall forecasting system. Based on the results of the inspection, a set of measures will be developed to further improve methods for forecasting dangerous hydrometeorological phenomena. The Minister particularly noted that current approaches require adaptation to modern climatic conditions and growing demands for the speed and accuracy of forecasts. " We need to improve forecast accuracy, expand capabilities, and enhance methods for the early detection of dangerous hydrometeorological phenomena ," emphasized Maksim Lysenko, outlining the key directions for future work. The Minister's visit was not only an assessment of the current state of the meteorological station's operations but also an important impetus for the development of the entire national hydrometeorological support system. Belhydromet will continue its systematic work to improve forecast quality and strengthen the protection of the population and the economy from dangerous hydrometeorological phenomena.