On March 20, on the eve of the Day of the Hydrometeorological Service of the Republic of Belarus, a solemn event dedicated to the professional holiday of specialists in the hydrometeorological field was held at Belhydromet. The event was attended by Viktor Galanov, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus , the leadership, as well as veterans and employees of Belhydromet. The performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Belarus set a high tone for the event, underscoring the solemnity of the moment and the state significance of the work performed by the hydrometeorological service. Siarhei Khilman , Head of Belhydromet, addressed those gathered with a welcoming speech, noting the outstanding achievements of the team and emphasizing the role of each employee in ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the service. Viktor Galanov congratulated Belhydromet employees on the upcoming holiday and read out a welcome address from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection. In his speech, he stressed the importance of the work of hydrometeorologists for the country's environmental safety, the forecasting of natural phenomena, and the support of key economic sectors. He also conveyed the Ministry's sincere wishes to the employees and veterans of the Hydrometeorological Service: "From the bottom of our hearts, we express our deep gratitude to all employees and veterans of the Hydrometeorological Service for your responsible and vitally important work! May robust health, inexhaustible energy, well-being, and inspiration accompany you in all your endeavors!" A special part of the celebration was the presentation of awards. Viktor Anatolyevich presented a Certificate of Honor to Maria Asadchaya, a leading engineer-hydrologist from the Water Regime Study Department of the Hydrology and Agrometeorology Service, whose total length of service at Belhydromet exceeds 40 years . An important moment was also the awarding of honors on behalf of Belhydromet Head Siarhei Khilman , who recognized the contribution of his subordinates to the development of hydrometeorological science and practice. Anastasia Zhed, Chairperson of the primary trade union organization of Belhydromet employees , also presented awards, emphasizing the importance of social support and recognition of employee achievements. On this day, words of gratitude and congratulations were heard from esteemed veterans of the hydrometeorological service. Anatoly Polishchuk, former Head of Belhydromet and a veteran with many years of experience, shared his vision of the industry's development and warm memories, highlighting the dedication to the cause and the selflessness of generations of hydrometeorologists. His speech became a symbol of continuity and the unbreakable connection between the past, present, and future of the service. After the formal part of the event concluded, a heartfelt roundtable discussion was held for veterans of the hydrometeorological service . In an informal setting over a cup of tea, representatives of the older generation of specialists, the leadership of Belhydromet, and members of the primary trade union organization gathered. During the meeting, veterans shared memories of their work, told interesting stories from their professional practice, and offered valuable advice to young specialists. The institution's leadership expressed sincere gratitude to the veterans for their invaluable contribution to the development of the country's hydrometeorological service. It is worth noting that the Belarusian State Hydrometeorological Service has a rich history. This year marks the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the service, and the first meteorological observations on the territory of Belarus began as early as 1808. The main mission of the hydrometeorological service remains unchanged – ensuring the safety of the population, providing accurate weather forecasts, and minimizing damage from hazardous natural phenomena. The celebration was a vibrant event that united industry veterans and young specialists, emphasizing the importance of their professional activities for all of Belarusian society.

A press conference titled "Hydrometeorological Safety: Current Realities and Innovative Development" was held at the National Press Center of the Republic of Belarus, timed to coincide with World Meteorological Day and the Day of Workers of the Hydrometeorological Service of the Republic of Belarus. The event brought together leading specialists from Belhydromet to highlight key aspects of their activities, achievements, and future plans. Maryna Hrytskevich, Head of the Meteorological Forecast Service of Belhydromet, emphasized in her speech the importance of atmospheric observations: "The foundation of any weather forecast, as well as warnings, is a multi-level observation system ranging from surface meteorological stations to satellite systems. And the motto of World Meteorological Day 2026 – 'Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow' – underscores this perfectly. After all, what is happening with the atmosphere, oceans, and land here and now is not only the basis for tomorrow's weather forecast but also an invaluable source of knowledge for understanding future climate trends." In the Republic of Belarus, ensuring hydrometeorological safety is one of the primary tasks entrusted to Belhydromet. Weather forecasts and warnings about dangerous and adverse hydrometeorological phenomena issued by Belhydromet make it possible to take preventive measures to protect life and health, safeguard the property of the population, and prevent potential damage to the country's economy. Moreover, the modern equipment in Belhydromet's arsenal allows us to successfully accomplish this task. Additionally, the development and improvement of the numerical weather prediction system for the territory of Belarus, taking into account the latest scientific and technological advances, is becoming particularly relevant for ensuring national security. New technologies for medium-range weather forecasting based on machine learning and neural networks are being developed, which will maintain a high level of forecast and warning accuracy as well as their lead time. For better understanding of information about dangerous and adverse hydrometeorological phenomena, the system of color codes for danger levels continues to be used. Volha Baklanova, Head of the Climate Change Study Department of the Meteorological and Climate Monitoring Service and Data Fund of Belhydromet , presented a report titled "Climate Services and Main Climate Change Trends in the Republic of Belarus." She noted that Belarus is potentially vulnerable to adverse climate changes, and therefore one of Belhydromet's priority tasks is the development of national hydrometeorological activities related to climate information and services. "Monitoring data of the current climate of the Republic of Belarus show that in recent years the warming trend has significantly intensified. Comparing the climate norms adopted by the World Meteorological Organization for the periods 1961–1990 and 1991–2020, it can be noted that the average annual air temperature has increased by 1.3°C," reported Volha Baklanova. At the same time, the rate of increase in surface air temperature in Belarus exceeds the global average. The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, heavy rains, and hail negatively impact agriculture, forestry, infrastructure, and the economy as a whole. To provide climate information to various economic sectors and to conduct educational outreach, Belhydromet prioritizes improving the climate change research system, obtaining more comprehensive assessments of the impact of natural and anthropogenic factors on climate, qualitatively enhancing scientific support, and developing international cooperation. Alena Melnik, Head of the Environmental Information Service of Belhydromet, spoke about ensuring environmental safety and the information products used for monitoring the environmental situation in the country. The National Environmental Monitoring System of the Republic of Belarus includes 13 types of monitoring, of which Belhydromet carries out ambient air monitoring, radiation monitoring, surface water monitoring, and land monitoring with respect to chemical pollution. Belhydromet hosts the main information and analytical center, as well as information and analytical centers for ambient air monitoring, surface water monitoring, and radiation monitoring. "A huge volume of data flows into the information and analytical centers, where it is compiled and analyzed, and as output we obtain various environmental information," noted Alena Melnik. Special attention was paid to ambient air monitoring. The state observation network includes 87 stationary points, 18 automatic stations, 18 gas analyzers, and 1 mobile point. Monitoring covers 26 industrial cities of the republic. Measurement results are compared with established hygienic standards, and in the event of exceedances, Belhydromet promptly informs the environmental authorities. Information on the state of ambient air is available on the platform of the Republican Information System for Automated Environmental Monitoring (RISAMOS) and on the Belhydromet website. Belhydromet also daily forecasts ambient air quality and, when adverse meteorological conditions occur, issues warnings about expected increases in pollution. Ekatsiaryna Istomina, Head of the Hydrology and Agrometeorology Service of Belhydromet , emphasized Belhydromet's role as the official producer of hydrometeorological information, responsible for its quality and use for safety purposes. "Reliable weather and climate information allows enterprises to choose development strategies, minimize damage from hazardous phenomena, and create safe working conditions," she noted. Hydrological observations, covering 112 stations across the country, serve as the basis for assessing water resources, planning water use, and protection. The results are compiled into an information data bank used for forecasts and informing government bodies and the public. Hydrological forecasting is a critically important task that requires the development of methodologies in the context of climate change. New software systems using Earth remote sensing data will improve the quality and timeliness of forecasts, especially for transboundary water bodies. Agrometeorological observations, carried out at 44 stations, inform the agricultural sector about prevailing hydrometeorological conditions. The relevance of these observations has increased due to climate change, necessitating adaptation strategies. Agrometeorological forecasts, including crop yield forecasts, are key to food security. Software tools for forecasting grain crop yields using satellite data have been introduced. Pilot projects providing individual agrometeorological information to agricultural enterprises have demonstrated their practical effectiveness. A video recording of the press conference is available at the link .

On March 19, 2026, Belhydromet held a Unified Information Day dedicated to the theme "Modern Approaches to Regional Development: From Economy to Social Infrastructure." The speaker was Siarhei Khilman, Head of Belhydromet. He emphasized the inextricable link between economic development, the quality of social infrastructure, and the overall well-being of the population. It was stressed that these factors are interdependent and that their harmonious development is the key to the prosperity of any region. Siarhei Khilman detailed a number of important aspects, including the demographic situation and birth rate, and the concept of "1 district – 1 project" as a tool for developing local initiatives. Special attention was paid to issues of providing affordable housing: the prospects of rental housing and the development of satellite cities. The role of large families as the foundation of a successful and stable society was also highlighted. Following the discussion, the participants of the Unified Information Day concluded that applying a comprehensive, cross-sectoral approach to regional development is critically important. Only a unified, well-coordinated system where all areas are closely interconnected can ensure dynamic growth and, consequently, improve the well-being of every citizen.

On March 13, a dialogue platform titled "Belarus – Pride and Glory" was held at Giprosvjaz PJSC, bringing together employees of Belhydromet and Giprosvjaz PJSC. The event served as a platform for discussing the country's historical path, the foundations of the rule of law, and the role of civil initiatives in modern society. One of the speakers at the event was Viktoria Nevodnichaya, Deputy Head for Ideological Work at Belhydromet and Chairperson of the Primary Organization of the Belarusian Union of Women . The context of the Year of Belarusian Women lent particular relevance to the meeting. Participants devoted considerable attention to active social engagement and the contribution of women to the country's development. The activities of the Belarusian Union of Women, its initiatives and projects aimed at supporting the family, strengthening traditional values, and expanding opportunities for women's self-realization were examined in detail. The dialogue participants emphasized that such meetings serve as a solid foundation for social unity and development. The exchange of views between colleagues from different fields, united by shared values, helps strengthen mutual understanding and shape a common civic position.

On March 13, on the eve of one of the most important state holidays – Constitution Day – a dialogue platform was held at Belhydromet. The event, dedicated to the fundamental law of the Republic of Belarus, brought together employees, with particular attention paid to young specialists. The discussion took the form of an open dialogue , where each participant had the opportunity to express their opinion, ask questions of interest, and share their knowledge about the Constitution. For an in-depth discussion, a detailed list of questions was prepared, covering key aspects of the history of the formation and development of the country's fundamental law, its role in shaping statehood, as well as current provisions and prospects. The dialogue participants examined in detail the historical path of the formation of Belarusian statehood, starting from the first constitutional acts that existed on the territory of Belarusian lands and ending with the current Constitution of 1994, which has undergone a number of important changes and additions as a result of referendums. Special attention was paid to the novelties introduced into the fundamental law, such as the institution of the presidency, the All-Belarusian People's Assembly, as well as provisions guaranteeing the rights and freedoms of citizens, including the institution of individual constitutional complaints and the definition of marriage as a union between a woman and a man. The discussion underscored that the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus is not just a set of laws but a living document reflecting the dynamic development of the country and its aspiration to create a democratic, social, and rule-of-law state. The popular essence of the fundamental law, its adoption through a nationwide referendum, as well as its role in shaping the high political and civic culture of Belarusian society, were noted. At the conclusion of the event, for active participation and a deep understanding of the topic under discussion, the most engaged participant of the dialogue was awarded a commemorative prize – a copy of the "Constitution of the Republic of Belarus." Such events play an invaluable role in enhancing the legal literacy of employees, strengthening their civic position and fostering a responsible attitude toward the future of their country.

On the Pripyat River tributary, the Ptich River near the village of Pershaya Slobodka (Petrikov District, Gomel Region), the water level has approached the dangerous high mark, with 20 cm remaining until it is reached, and a daily rise in water level of 14 cm. In the coming days, the water level here will reach and may exceed the dangerous high mark. When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

On March 11, an educational excursion was held at Belhydromet for a group of visitors from the state institution "Territorial Center for Social Services of the Population of the Glubokoye District." The event, which served as an example of openness and engagement with the public, allowed guests to gain a deeper understanding of the key areas of Belhydromet's work. The excursion was conducted by experienced specialists, each of whom shared their knowledge in a specific field: - Georgy Kamlyuk , Leading Meteorologist Engineer of the Meteorological Monitoring Department of the Meteorological and Climate Monitoring Service and Data Fund. He introduced the visitors to the history of the state hydrometeorological service of Belarus, its key stages of development, emphasizing its long-standing traditions and significance for the country. He paid special attention to the unique building of the Geophysical Observatory – a true architectural monument. Finally, he demonstrated the operation of meteorological instruments at the automatic meteorological site, explaining the principles of data collection and processing that form the basis for analyzing weather conditions; - Alla Shaibak , Head of the Operational Data Department for Radiation Control and Emergency Monitoring of the Radiation Monitoring Service. She clearly and thoroughly addressed issues related to the monitoring of the radiation background in Belarus. The guests learned about the comprehensive monitoring system, assessment methods, and measures taken to ensure the radiation safety of the population; - Marina Luksha , Deputy Head of the Meteorological Forecast Service, explained how weather forecasts are made – the complex algorithms, the analysis of vast amounts of data, and the meticulous work that precedes each published forecast, making it as accurate and useful as possible for the country's residents. The excursion sparked lively interest among the visitors. They asked many questions of the specialists and thanked them for the detailed and accessible presentation of Belhydromet's work. The event not only broadened the guests' horizons but also helped them see familiar weather forecasts in a new light and appreciate the importance of the hydrometeorological service's work for the daily lives and safety of citizens.

This year, the flood will be higher than in recent years. As a result of the analysis of the current hydrometeorological conditions in river basins and the calculations performed, the maximum water levels in the rivers are forecasted to be close to the long-term average values. During the spring flood, flooding of floodplain areas of rivers is expected. Maximum water levels will approach dangerously high marks, at which flooding of coastal areas occurs. The most difficult flood situation is expected in the basins of the Dnieper, Sozh and Pripyat rivers. Weather conditions during the formation of maximum water levels of the spring flood can either complicate the flood situation, in the case of significant precipitation, or, conversely, mitigate it, in the case of positive air temperatures during the day and negative air temperatures at night, as well as a lack of precipitation. Forecasts of maximum water levels during the spring flood will be adjusted with medium-term forecasts if hydrometeorological conditions change. When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

The average air temperature in Belarus for February was -7.4°C which is 3.9°C below the climatic norm. The first decade of the month was very cold with an average air temperature in Belarus of -13.0°C which is 8.6°C below the climatic norm. The average air temperature in the second decade was also below the climatic norm by 2.7°C. The third decade was 0.7°C above the norm. During the month an average of 24 mm of precipitation fell across the republic which amounted to 63% of the climatic norm. A significant precipitation deficit was observed throughout all three decades of the month. According to snow survey data along a route in the field on February 28, snow had melted in the southwestern part of the country (the Western Bug basin, locally in the Neman basin and in the upper reaches of the Pripyat). In the rest of Belarus, snow depth ranged from 2 cm to 49 cm, with a snow water equivalent of up to 119 mm. On the territory of the Russian Federation, in the upper reaches of the Western Dvina, the Dnieper and the Sozh rivers, the snow depth ranged from 39 cm to 66 cm, with a snow water equivalent of up to 145 mm. Snow water equivalent exceeded the usual values for this time of year by 120% in the Western Dvina basin, and by 50-100% in the basins of the Viliya, Dnieper, Berezina, Sozh, Pripyat and along most of the Neman. In February, ice cover and ice cover with polynyas persisted almost everywhere on the country's water bodies. In the third decade of February the weather pattern triggered the onset of spring processes on the rivers in the southern and southwestern part of the country, where melting of the ice cover began. By the end of February, ice thickness on water bodies ranged from 10 to 45 cm which is close to the norm. In the first two decades of February, water levels on the rivers were mainly declining. In the third decade, water levels began to rise due to the spring flood on rivers in the southern and southwestern part of the country, while a decline was mainly observed in the rest of the country. The water flow of most rivers was close to the norm, while the water flow of the Neman and the Pripyat was somewhat less than usual for this time of year. When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

On March 3, representatives of the Agency for Chemical, Biological, Radiation and Nuclear Safety of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan visited Belhydromet together with the Department for Nuclear and Radiation Safety of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Belarus, as part of an internship organized with the support of the IAEA. During the meeting, the heads of the relevant departments of Belhydromet spoke about the specifics of the functioning of the radiation monitoring system in the Republic of Belarus, the current tasks addressed by the structural units of the radiation monitoring service and Belhydromet's laboratories, as well as the unique measuring equipment of domestic and foreign manufacture, including gamma spectrometers from Canberra, ORTEC, and ATOMTEX. Alla Shaibak , Head of the Department for Operational Data of Radiation Control and Emergency Monitoring, presented the automated radiation monitoring control system. Using the RECASS NT software and hardware complex as an example, it was demonstrated how the spread of contamination in the environment can be modeled in time and space, taking into account meteorological conditions, in the event of nuclear or radiation accidents. Such an exchange of experience is beneficial for both sides and helps to build a reliable radiation safety system for our colleagues abroad and here at home.