Hydrometeorological and agrometeorological information of 24 August, 2018

In the coming weekends, weather conditions in Belarus will be determined by the influence of slow-moving atmospheric front on the west side, influence of the area of high atmospheric pressure and warm air masses still remain on the east side. Changing weather patterns is expected. Short-term rains of varied intensity, in some areas with thunderstorms are forecast in the western and central parts of the country. There will be heavy rains in certain places. Significant temperature contrast is expected between north-west and south-east of the country. At the beginning of next week (Monday, August 27), influence of front separation will be expanded throughout the country. Short-term rains are forecast in most of the country, in some areas with thunderstorms. Precipitations are forecast in general in the eastern part of Belarus, expansion of cooler air masses from north-west Europe are expected following front separation in future, temperature will fall significantly.

As at 24 August, according to data of state network of hydrometeorological observations, a decrease of water levels with the intensity 1-14 cm per day prevails on the rivers of Belarus. 

Unfavourable conditions for river transport are registered on the Zapadnaya Dvina near Vitebsk, on the Neman near Grodno, on the Dnieper near Mogilev, Zhlobin, Rechitsa and Loev , on the Berezina near Bobruysk and Svetlogorsk, on the Sozh near Krichev and Slavgorod, water levels here are below the marks that limit shipping. In the coming days, fluctuations of water levels with a tendency towards decreasing will be observed on the rivers, water level will fall below dangerous mark for shipping on the Sozh near Gomel.

Because of continued deficit of precipitations in most of the country, 10 cm topsoil is still is poor moistened state, it is completely dry in some areas of Brest region, in the west of Vitebsk region and in the east of Mogilev region. Difficult agrometeorological conditions for soil treatment, sowing and cruciferous plants seedling emergence remain on areas with insufficient moistening. Good moistening of soil at depth of 10 cm is registered in many areas of Gomel region, in south-east and north-west parts of Minsk region, in the remaining regions – only in certain areas.

Conditions for formation of late agricultural crops harvest are satisfactory. Growth of root crops and late vegetables, grass regrowing in some areas, especially in Brest region, proceed with insufficient soil moisture. In this, conditions for sugar accumulation in root crops are better than last year for this period.

In the coming days, expected rains will fulfil moisture content in soil benefiting agrometeorological situation for autumn sowing and formation of late crops harvest.