The secret behind the lightning-fast formation of a summer convective storm lies in extreme atmospheric instability. In summer, the surface in Belarus rapidly warms up to +25 +30°C . The air near the ground becomes hot and light, creating tremendous buoyancy. The heated air begins to rise rapidly at a speed of 5-10 m/s (sometimes up to 30 m/s). Encountering colder air at higher altitudes, it quickly cools and condenses (water vapor turns into water droplets), and the formation of cumulonimbus clouds begins. This condensation releases latent heat, which further warms the air from below. A positive feedback loop is created: the higher it rises, the faster it expands and draws in new portions of moisture. Within 15-20 minutes, the heated air manages to race from the ground to the stratosphere (over 11 km). As soon as it reaches the upper boundary, the air flow can no longer rise further, spreads out to the sides, and the "anvil" of the convective cloud forms. The peak of its intensity occurs precisely at this moment. Such cells are so small ( 5-15 km wide) that numerical models cannot detect them. Meteorologists can easily forecast that there is a high probability of powerful cumulonimbus cloud development and, consequently, the formation of associated adverse and hazardous hydrometeorological phenomena (thunderstorms, squalls, heavy downpours, hail), but the exact time and location of their formation are determined using weather radar in real time – 20-40 minutes in advance. When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

At 9:00 on August 21, 2026 (Friday), a meeting of the Anti-Corruption Commission will be held in the Belhydromet conference hall (4th floor).

On August 13, 2026, the Minsk meteorological station served as the venue for an important meeting dedicated to exploring the potential of Belhydromet in the field of ecotourism development. Representatives of the Economics Committee of the Minsk City Executive Committee, led by Deputy Chairperson Tatyana Selivonik , visited the station to familiarize themselves with its capabilities firsthand. The meeting was led by Deputy Head of Belhydromet Mikhail Kavalenka , who highlighted the importance of promoting meteorological observations among the general public. He emphasized that modern technologies make meteorology not only an exact science but also a fascinating area for educational tourism. Subsequently, Deputy Head of the Branch "Minskoblhydromet" Elena Dulub gave the guests a detailed tour. The meeting participants were able to see firsthand the operation of advanced meteorological equipment, learn about its operating principles, and familiarize themselves with the data collection and analysis process. Following the visit, the parties discussed specific steps for developing cooperation. The key objective is to organize educational excursions that will allow residents and visitors of the capital to gain a deeper understanding of the significance of hydrometeorological activities. This will open up new opportunities for drawing attention to science, increasing the meteorological literacy of the population, and, as a result, will contribute to the development of ecotourism in the region.

From August 7 to 9, 2026 , the primary trade union organization of Belhydromet gave its employees and their families a truly vivid and memorable weekend. Over these days, the team embarked on a traditional kayak trip – and once again proved that the best moments are born where team spirit, nature, and a bit of adventure come together. The route ran along the picturesque Narochanka River . The friendly Belhydromet team conquered over 15 kilometers of water surface, framed by pristine nature. The team was led by Tatsiana Chаtyrka , First Deputy Head of Belhydromet. Her participation was not merely a show of support for the initiative, but a personal example of how important it is to maintain a balance between demanding work and an active, healthy lifestyle.   The highlight of the journey was an overnight stay on the shore of the crystal-clear Lake Slobodskoye. Here, far from the city noise, the silence, spaciousness, and beauty of the surrounding world were felt with particular intensity. The starry sky, the gentle lapping of waves, and the cozy campfire provided the perfect backdrop for warm conversations, heartfelt laughter, and the exchange of impressions. It is in such moments that true team bonds are strengthened – the kind that stay with people even in their everyday work life. The Belhydromet team extends special gratitude to Alexander Lashuk – the permanent organizer of these kayak trips. Thanks to his experience, attention to detail, and ability to create an atmosphere of comfort and safety, the journey turned out not only thrilling but also as comfortable as possible. A warm welcome, clear organization, and, most importantly, reliable care for every participant – this is what makes these outings truly special. This kayak trip was already the fourth in a row – and with each year, the tradition only grows stronger. What began as an idea for active leisure has become an important event that unites employees, helps them reveal new sides of themselves, and see in each other not just colleagues, but like-minded people and friends. The trade union initiative has once again demonstrated: the strength of a team lies not only in professionalism but also in the ability to enjoy the simple things together – the wind, the water, good company, and the feeling that you are part of a big and reliable team. And there are still many routes ahead of us – both on the water and at work!

A lively debate is ongoing on social media about what happened in Minsk on the night of August 7: was it sheet lightning or a thunderstorm ? Our specialists have prepared the following information for you: A thunderstorm is an atmospheric phenomenon characterized by multiple electrical discharges between clouds or between a cloud and the ground. A thunderstorm is associated with the development of powerful cumulonimbus clouds, strong atmospheric instability, and high moisture content. A thunderstorm consists of three main components: - a powerful convective cloud; - an electrical discharge in the form of a spark – lightning; - the loud sound produced by this discharge – thunder. A thunderstorm is a localized phenomenon. Sheet 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 results from the reflection of lightning flashes from cloud masses. Sheet lightning can last for several hours in a row, drawing 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 kilometers from the epicenter, the reflections of the lightning flashes themselves can be observed in the night sky at distances of up to 160 kilometers. So what happened in Minsk on the night of August 6–7? Our meteorologists' answer: a thunderstorm . When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

On August 9, 1876 , a second-class pile-type hydrological station was opened in the urban settlement of Loyev, Gomel Region. According to chronicle data, a meteorological station had previously been located on the site of the hydrological station. The Dnieper-Loyev hydrological station is situated within the protected zone of the cultural layer of the archaeological monument "Ancient Iron Age Settlement and the Territory of the Former Medieval Town of Loyev," 600 m downstream from the confluence of the Sozh River, on the city embankment of the Dnieper River. Protected zone of the cultural layer of the archaeological monument "Ancient Iron Age settlement and the territory of the former medieval town of Loyev" The Early Iron Age settlement and the territory of medieval Loyev are a historical and cultural treasure of the Republic of Belarus. The embankment of Loyev, where the hydrological station is located, is the historical center of the urban settlement of Loyev in Gomel Region, situated at the unique confluence of two rivers – the Dnieper and the Sozh. In the autumn of 1943 , the Battle of the Dnieper unfolded here – one of the largest operations on the Eastern Front, the victory of which marked the beginning of the liberation of Loyev District from the Nazi German invaders. This breakthrough was of key importance for the subsequent successful liberation of Belarus. Its significance is evidenced by the fact that 438 soldiers were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for crossing the Dnieper. Such a mass award for a single operation was unique in the entire history of the war. The crossing of the river at this sector of the front was one of the bloodiest episodes in the famous Battle of the Dnieper. Today, a memorial complex stands on this site in memory of the fallen soldiers. Memorial Complex "The Battle of the Dnieper"   Since its foundation, the Dnieper-Loyev hydrological station has operated almost without interruption in observations. There was only a brief hiatus from the beginning of the war until November 7, 1943. Since 1931 and up to the present day, a family dynasty has worked at the hydrological station. Love and devotion to the work have been passed down from generation to generation. In 1931, Stepan Melnik began working at the station. He was a peasant's son with only self-education and a three-month party school behind him. Before that, he worked as a motor mechanic and then as a loader. He worked in the hydrometeorological service for 18 years. In 1949, Stepan retired. His son, Mikhail Artemchik, continued his father's work. He conscientiously labored at the hydrological station for 42 years, after which he retired. Mikhail Artemchik measuring water level from a boat   In 1991 , Alexander Motorny took up the position of hydrometeorological observer at the hydrological station. He has been working here ever since. Alexander is the great-grandson of Stepan Melnik and the grandson of Mikhail Artemchik on his mother's side. In October of this year, it will be 35 years since he began his career in the state hydrometeorological service. Alexander Motorny's duties include conducting observations of water level and temperature, precipitation, wind, ice phenomena, ice thickness, snow height on ice, conducting snow surveys along field routes in winter, as well as maintaining order at the hydrological station. Hydrometeorological observer measuring water level and temperature   Rain gauge installation for measuring precipitation   The work of a hydrometeorological observer requires vigilance, attentiveness, responsibility, and enthusiasm for the job. His work is especially important during the spring flood period. After all, the hydrological information received from the observer is transmitted to executive and administrative authorities, emergency commissions, organizations in various economic sectors, and all interested business entities. Based on daily hydrological information, archival hydrological yearbooks are compiled, which are subsequently used in the design and operation of water management systems, waterways, hydroelectric power stations, and other structures on rivers. View from the hydrological station territory of the Dnieper River during the spring flood period The Dnieper-Loyev hydrological station during the summer low-water period Belhydromet congratulates Alexander Motorny, observer at the Dnieper-Loyev hydrological station, on the 150th anniversary of the station and thanks him for his conscientious many years of work! We wish him, as well as his family and loved ones, good health, success in all endeavors, well-being, and warmth of heart! Information taken from the website of the Branch "Gomeloblhydromet" .

Almost everywhere, the maximum daytime air temperature on August 6 reached +30°C and higher, and in the south of the country, many stations recorded a hazardous hydrometeorological phenomenon – extreme heat (maximum air temperature of +35°C and above). The maximum air temperature on that day reached +40.3°C at the Mozyr weather station, which is an August record for the entire country. Daily maximum temperature records were updated at 15 weather stations, predominantly in the south of the republic and 7 weather stations updated their August records. The weather stations at Vasilevichi, Zhitkovichi, Lelchitsy, and Mozyr updated their absolute temperature records for the entire observation period, while the Polesskaya weather station repeated the absolute record of June 2026 ( +37.8°C ): Vasilevichi: +38.6°C (previous record +38.0°C, August 1946); Zhitkovichi: +38.9°C (previous record +37.9°C, July 2024); Lelchitsy: +39.6°C (previous record +38.2°C, August 2010); Mozyr: +40.3°C (previous record +36.5°C, July 1936). When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

On August 5 , across the entire territory of the country, with the exception of three stations in the Vitebsk region, the thermometer rose above +30°C , reaching its maximum at +38.1°C (AMS Stolin). Daily air temperature records were broken at 18 weather stations, and the Berezinsky Reserve weather station repeated its daily record from 2015, with a maximum daily air temperature of +31.5°C . It is also worth noting that yesterday (August 5) , at several stations in the Brest region and at one station in the Gomel region, the absolute maximum air temperatures for August were updated, and the Vysokoye weather station repeated its monthly maximum from 2015 ( +36.5°C ). Monthly records: Pruzhany: +36.0°C (previous record +35.9°C in 2015); Polesskaya: +37.3°C (previous record +35.8°C in 1992); Brest: +37.4°C (previous record +36.7°C in 2015); Pinsk: +37.9°C (previous record +36.3°C in 1905); Zhitkovichi: +36.7°C (previous record +36.5°C in 2008). However, it should be borne in mind that the peak of the heat is expected on August 6 , so monthly records may be broken again! When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

Due to the advection of tropical air masses, abnormally hot weather has established itself in Belarus this week, with temperatures 1-9°C above the climatic norm. During the daytime, air temperatures not only exceeded the thirty-degree mark but also reached +35°C and higher. As a result, on August 5 (Wednesday), in the middle of the day, thermometers ranged from +28°C in the north to +38°C in the south. Consequently, daily temperature records were broken at 18 weather stations in Belarus, new monthly records for August were set at 5 weather stations, and at 1 station the absolute monthly maximum was repeated. The peak of the heat will occur on August 6 (Thursday), when daytime highs over most of the territory will reach +35 +40°C , and in some places +30 +34°C . Due to the extreme heat, a red level of hazard is in effect across the country. Therefore, in these sultry conditions, do not forget the basic rules of behavior in hot weather : - limit your time in the sun, especially during the hours of maximum heating (from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.), and try to choose morning or evening hours for walks; - wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothing and be sure to wear a hat; - try to stay in the shade or in air-conditioned rooms; - drink plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol, and adjust your diet in favor of vegetables, fruits, salads, and soups; - reduce physical activity; - if possible, limit long car trips. People with cardiovascular diseases should be especially cautious - do not forget to take your necessary medications with you. However, the period of abnormally hot weather is coming to an end, and already on August 7 (Friday) , an active cold front will move across the territory of our country, which will destabilize the atmosphere over our region (bringing heavy rains with thunderstorms and squalls) and will also open the way for air masses from temperate latitudes. At the same time, starting from the weekend, thanks to a calm anticyclone, the weather will improve: precipitation will gradually cease, and temperatures will return to the climatic norm. When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

Recreation sites Temperature (°С) Water Air Rivers of Belarus Western Dvina 21-24 20-22 Neman 22-23 19-20 Dnieper 22-26 18-22 Berezina 23-25 16-20 Sozh 23-26 17-22 Pripyat 26-27 19-22 Water reservoirs of Belarus Zaslavskoye Reservoir 25 18 Vileyskoye Reservoir 25 20 Lake Naroch 24 20 Black Sea Yalta 25 26 Yevpatoria 24 29 Feodosia 24 27 Туапсе 27 25 Sochi 26 25 Anapa 25 28 Sea of Azov Henichesk 26 27 Primorsko-Akhtarsk 26 29 Baltic Sea Kaliningrad 21 22   When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory