On January 21, students specialising in "Engineering Ecology" from the National Children's Technopark visited Belhydromet. The excursion became a fascinating journey into the world of meteorology and radiation safety. The first stop was the radiation monitoring service, where Alla Shaybak, head of the Operational Data Department for Radiation Monitoring and Emergency Situations, immersed the children in the intricacies of radiation monitoring in Belarus. The pupils learned about modern methods and technologies used to control the radiation situation. Then the young environmentalists went to the meteorological forecasting service. Matvey Chatyrka, a leading weather engineer , shared the secrets of making weather forecasts, explaining the work of synoptic meteorologists and the use of modern models and data. The final stage was a meeting with meteorological engineers Anna Nedobega and Alexander Savitsky . The specialists provided a detailed account of the wide range of activities undertaken by Belhydromet, the significance of meteorologists' work for various economic sectors and society, as well as the collection, processing, and storage of climate data. The excursion to Belgidromet became an educational event for young environmentalists, which demonstrated the close relationship between the theoretical knowledge acquired within the walls of the National Children's Technopark and their practical application in real professional activities. This served as tangible confirmation of the importance of their chosen field of study and its promising role in addressing current environmental challenges.

As part of the regular monitoring of atmospheric air conducted by Belhydromet, on January 21 in Minsk , an analysis of air samples showed that the level of nitrogen oxide remains slightly elevated. Excess of established hygiene standards was recorded in 5 points of the city: 110a Nezavisimosti Ave., 23 Timiryazeva St., 50 Radialnaya St., Uruchye microdistrict and Korzhenevski St. The maximum concentration of nitrogen oxide at 12:00 was 2.4 MPC. Also, according to the data for January 20, there was a slight excess (1.2 times) of the average daily maximum permissible concentration for solid particles, fractions up to 2.5 μm (fine dust). These indicators are related to current meteorological conditions, including windless weather and surface inversion, which make it difficult for pollutants to naturally disperse into the atmosphere. Warnings about adverse meteorological conditions are still in effect for large industrial and motor transport enterprises in Minsk in order to implement measures to reduce the anthropogenic impact on the environment. Belhydromet continues to continuously monitor the situation and promptly informs interested parties. When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

According to Belhydromet, as of January 20, 2026 , the radiation situation in the area of influence of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant remains stable. No excess over the long-term steady-state values was recorded. Gamma radiation dose rate levels in the Chernobyl NPP impact zone: Bragin - 0.34 mSv/h, Vasilevichi - 0.11 mSv/h, Zhitkovichi - 0.10 mSv/h, Mozyr - 0.10 mSv/h. There are 41 dosimetric stations operating on the territory of the Republic of Belarus, where daily measurements of the dose rate of gamma radiation are carried out.  In the southern territories of the Republic of Belarus (Gomel and Brest regions), measurements are carried out every 3 hours. Furthermore, an Automated Radiation Monitoring System (ARMS) operates within the Republic of Belarus in the zones influenced by nuclear power plants. It comprises 33 automated measuring stations. Data on gamma radiation dose rates from these stations are transmitted automatically every 10 minutes to the department of operational data for radiation monitoring and emergency situations of the Belhydromet Radiation monitoring service, whose personnel work around the clock. When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

In connection with the information disseminated on the Internet, Belhydromet publishes an official commentary on the situation with the quality of atmospheric air in Minsk. About the reliability of data from third-party sources: First of all, we would like to draw your attention to the fact that the information published in the Telegram channel's post isn't based on data obtained from the air monitoring observation points of the National Environmental Monitoring System in the Republic of Belarus. Belhydromet doesn't have information on the compliance of measuring instruments used to assess air quality and displayed on the specified map with the requirements of national legislation on ensuring the uniformity of measurements, as well as on the degree of reliability of the data obtained. Official data of Belhydromet: According to the results of observations at automatic stations for continuous measurement of the content of priority pollutants in the atmospheric air located in Minsk, on January 19, no cases of exceeding the standards of maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) for pollutants in the atmospheric air were recorded. The situation on the morning of January 20, 2026: As of 10.00 a.m. on January 20, in the morning in 4 districts of the city: 110a Nezavisimosti Ave., 23 Timiryazeva St., 50 Radialnaya St. and Uruchye microdistrict, an increase in the level of nitrogen oxide air pollution was noted, the maximum of which reached 2.5 MPC from single concentrations. Causes of increased concentration of pollutants: The increase in air pollution is related to the prevailing meteorological conditions. A surface inversion is observed in Minsk, a phenomenon in which retaining layers are formed that prevent the removal of pollutants into the upper atmosphere and contribute to their accumulation in the surface air layer. Warning to enterprises: Warnings about unfavourable meteorological conditions have been issued to major industrial and automotive transport enterprises in Minsk to reduce anthropogenic impact on the environment. Where to obtain current information?: Real-time observation results on the state of atmospheric air can be viewed on Belhydromet's websites: www.rad.org.b y and www.risamos.by Belgidromet urges citizens to trust only official sources of information and keep an eye on updates on our information resources! When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

On the night of January 20 , the meteorological stations of Belarus recorded temperatures that were slightly higher than on the traditional Epiphany night. According to observations by Belhydromet, the minimum air temperature ranged from -14.3°C in Vitebsk; up to -25.3°C in Klichev. Currently, none of the country's weather stations has recorded record temperatures for January 20th. The absolute minimum for this date has remained unchanged since 2006, when a temperature of -31.2°C was recorded in Yezerishche. When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

Epiphany night turned out to be really frosty this year! While some brave Belarusians performed the traditional ablution in the ice hole, nature was testing temperature records. According to the Belhydromet network of weather stations, the minimum air temperature on the night of Epiphany ranged from -15.1°C in Vitebsk to an impressive -28.1°C in Klichevo! This is a record low temperature for Epiphany night for this point. The previous record, set in 2014, was -25.2°C. But Klichev is not the only record holder of this frosty night!  - Berezino – new record -25.2°C (previous record in 2006 -25.1°C); - Bobruisk – a new record of -26.0 °C (the previous one in 2021 was -25.9 °C); - Ivatsevichi – repeated the record of 2006 with -22.5 °C. Despite local records, the absolute record for January 19 in Belarus as a whole has stood. It still belongs to the Yezerishche weather station, where in 2006 the thermometer dropped to -30.7 °C. Stay tuned for our updates to always be aware of the weather changes! When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

The main culprits of bad weather are cyclones , gigantic atmospheric vortices spanning thousands of kilometres. And like real "stars", they have their own names. The practice of naming cyclones began during the Second World War for simplicity and is now managed by international meteorological organisations. This helps with forecasts and alerts. Here are some of the most memorable ones: - "Xavier" (March 2013). This cyclone entered history as one of the most powerful natural disasters. During its influence, many areas of the republic received 5-15 cm of fresh snow, with localised accumulations of 16-32 cm. By the morning of 16 March, snow depth ranged from 13 to 61 cm. In some places, up to 164% of the monthly average snowfall was recorded within a single day. - "Danielle" (January 2016). This cyclone brought a "snow apocalypse" across the entire republic. It delivered unprecedented snowfalls and blizzards, particularly in the northeast. On 12 January 2016, many areas received approximately half of the monthly average precipitation; the Vitebsk weather station recorded 34 mm. The average snow accumulation following the cyclone's passage was 8-20 cm. The northeastern regions were most affected, with Vitebsk receiving an additional 25 cm of snow and Minsk 21 cm. - "Bella" (December 2020). Instead of snow, this cyclone bestowed an armour of ice. For instance, the Orsha weather station observed severe glaze ice with an accretion layer diameter of 20 mm. Furthermore, in January 2026 , the country was visited by Cyclone " Ulli " , which added locally up to 42 cm of snow in some areas across the republic. So, the next time the weather presents a surprise, remember: this spell of severe weather most likely has a name. This article has been prepared using materials from the Branch "Vitebskoblhydromet" and the Service for Meteorological and Climate Monitoring of Belhydromet. When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

Ekaterina Istomina, head of the hydrology and agrometeorology service of Belhydromet: The agrometeorological conditions for the growth and development of agricultural crops in the past agricultural year in Belarus were not easy. The growing season was accompanied by a number of unfavorable and dangerous hydrometeorological phenomena, which significantly affected the agro-industrial complex of the country. Adverse effects of the growing season Prolonged and intense frosts caused serious damage to agriculture in the spring . They were particularly affected: - fruit trees and shrubs; - crops on peat bogs and in relief depressions; - winter cereals (primarily barley); - winter rapeseed and winter wheat; - herbs (primarily alfalfa); - spring grains and legumes; - flax; - sprouted corn , etc . The dead crops had to be replanted, and a complex of restorative agrotechnical measures was carried out in the damaged areas. The situation was complicated in the summer : - frequent rains; - high humidity in the air and soil (made haymaking difficult); - development of diseases (required regular phytosanitary control and protective measures); - unstable weather during the mass grain harvest; - lodging of crops due to heavy rains; - increased grain moisture (reduced the rate of harvesting). The impact of weather conditions on different crops Heat-loving crops (maize/corn, vegetables with high heat requirements) experienced a deficit of effective heat. Cereal crops (ears), flax, root vegetables and late vegetables were positively influenced by the relatively low-temperature regime. In July , rains maintained good and high soil moisture reserves across most areas. However, in some districts of the southern part of the republic, productive soil moisture reserves decreased to satisfactory and even low levels. Vitebsk region faced excessive soil moisture after heavy precipitation: waterlogging was observed, some crops perished due to water saturation, and the condition of cereal crops was assessed as satisfactory or poor. Shifts in the growing season Due to the difficult weather conditions, the development of crops was lagging behind the usual deadlines.: - the first cutting of grass is 1-2 weeks later than last year's figures; - simultaneous ripening of winter rapeseed and grain ears (created tension during harvesting); - significant delay in the ripening of corn. Harvest and wintering results Despite the unfavorable conditions, with the observance of cultivation technologies, it was possible to obtain a good harvest : - grain and leguminous crops; - sugar beet; - flax fibers. Over the past period, wintering has been carried out without critical events for most wintering crops: in January, the soil temperature at the depth of the tillering node for winter cereals was -1 - 5 C (in the east of the Brest region to -8 C); Partial damage to winter rapeseed is possible only in the south‑west of Belarus (with scant or absent snow cover). Details are available on the YouTube channel of the National Press Centre of the Republic of Belarus. When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

In the era of digital technology,  it's easy to get lost in the flow of information. However, when it comes to weather, the price of error can be high - from a ruined picnic to a threat to life. In this regard, it is critically important to focus on reliable sources. As emphasised by Marina Gritskevich, head of the meteorological forecasting service , emphasizes, trusting the official data of Belhydromet, citizens receive not just a forecast — they receive a tool for safe and informed decision-making. Belhydromet is the only official source of hydrometeorological information in the Republic of Belarus. In 2025, the agency's work was focused on: - improving weather forecasting; - maintaining high justifiability of forecasts; - prompt informing of the population and organizations about adverse events. Warning statistics in 2025 Over the past year, Belhydromet has issued 143 warnings about adverse hydrometeorological events (orange danger level). Distribution by season: - summer — 64 warnings (June: 21, July: 28, August: 15). - winter — 19 warnings (December: 7, January: 12, February: 0). The phenomena most frequently mentioned in warnings were: - thunderstorm — 51 times; - heavy rains — 39 times; - wind — 40 times; - squall — 34 times; - fog — 30 times; - high temperatures (≥ 30 °C) — 19 times; - hail and heavy rains — 14 times; - freezing — 9 times; - blizzard, very heavy snow, very heavy downpours — 1 time each; - glaze ice and sudden changes in weather conditions — 3 times each; - heavy snow — 4 times. Warning trends and lead times In terms of the number of warnings issued over the last decade, 2025 ranked third: - 1st place — 2024 (154 warnings). - 2nd place — 2022 (149 warnings). - 3rd place — 2025 (143 warnings). An important achievement in 2025 is the increase in the advance warning . The average time between the issue of the warning and the occurrence of the phenomenon was 16 hours 07 minutes (in 2024 — 15 hours 40 minutes). Dangerous phenomena (red danger level) In 2025, 12 storm warnings about dangerous hydrometeorological phenomena were issued.: 11 — about frosts; 1 — about very heavy rains. In terms of the number of storm warnings, 2025 ranked second in the last decade (there were 24 in 2024). Operational dissemination All warnings: - they were immediately sent to interested government agencies and organizations; - published in social networks and messengers of Belhydromet; - posted on official websites and in the mobile application. Thus, in 2025, Belhydromet continued to strengthen the monitoring and forecasting system, ensuring the safety of citizens and the sustainability of the economy of the Republic of Belarus. Details are available on the YouTube channel of the National Press Centre of the Republic of Belarus.

On the eve of the New Year, t he Mozyr Interdistrict Centre for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring (MC Mozyr) received a valuable gift – the completion of the modernisation programme for its MAWS (Meteorological Automatic Weather Station) measuring system . This project, implemented as part of efforts to enhance the accuracy and reliability of meteorological data, marks a significant milestone in the development of the region's hydrometeorological service. The first stage of modernization , completed in November 2025, included the preparation of the meteorological site by MC Mozyr staff, the installation of a foundation slab, and the mounting of a Pluvio-2 precipitation gauge by specialists from LLC ITS-Bel. This modern instrument makes it possible to measure the amount of all types of precipitation with high accuracy, providing a more complete understanding of hydrometeorological processes. At the same time, a PWD-52 visibility and current weather sensor was installed on the MAWS mast, which not only measures visibility range, but also records precipitation types, providing valuable information for weather forecasting. The second, equally important, stage of modernization was the installation of a new computer set in December 2025. This update provided faster and more efficient processing of data coming from meteorological sensors, which significantly improved the efficiency and accuracy of forecasts. The modernization of the MAWS system has become a real gift for the New Year for the employees of the meteorological observation group of the MC Mozyr. Thanks to the new technologies, they now have the ability to work with more reliable and precise equipment, which will undoubtedly positively impact the quality of surface meteorological observations conducted in the city of Mozyr. This step represents an important contribution to ensuring the safety and sustainable development of the region. Information based on materials from the website of the Branch "Gomeloblhydromet" .