Agrometeorological activities
First phenological observations on the territory of Belarus were conducted, with brief interruptions, from the end of the 19th century in two localities in the Mogilev and Vitebsk regions. During the period 1924–1940, systematic phenological observations were carried out at eight sites: Vitebsk, Orsha, Gorki, Mogilev, Minsk, Borisov, Slutsk, and Kostyukovichi. The development of the main agrometeorological observation network in Belarus took place in the post-war years of 1945–1948 and continued until the mid-1990s.
Currently, agrometeorological observations in the republic are conducted at 44 observation points (including five agrometeorological stations: Sharkovshchina, Volkovysk, Gorki, Minsk (Samokhvalovichi settlement), and Vasilevichi). The network of observation points across the republic is arranged in such a way as to cover the main agricultural regions of Belarus with agrometeorological observations and provide an understanding of crop growing conditions throughout the entire country.
Agrometeorological observations are carried out according to the following parameters and characteristics:
Belhydromet annually prepares an agrometeorological yearbook containing agrometeorological observation data. Based on the annual observation results, the database is updated, which serves as a foundation for the generalization of agrometeorological characteristics, research work, and the use of agrometeorological information to support various organizations.
The main forms of agrometeorological support for the structures of the agro-industrial complex and government authorities are agrometeorological analytical and forecast information. Agrometeorological analytical and forecast information is based on the extensive use of field observation data from the state hydrometeorological network. Belhydromet produces forecasts of the yield of leading agricultural crops, the condition of winter crops before overwintering and after overwintering, productive moisture reserves in the soil by the start of the agricultural spring, the start dates of spring field work, sowing dates for early spring and winter crops, as well as forecasts for the development of grain crops, grasses, and fruit trees. The lead time for most agrometeorological forecasts ranges from 20–30 days to three months.
Hydrometeorological activities
The State Hydrometeorological Service of the Republic of Belarus operates in accordance with the Law of the Republic of Belarus "On Hydrometeorological Activities", as well as in accordance with the subprogram "Development of the State Hydrometeorological Service, Mitigation of Climate Change Impacts, Improvement of Ambient Air Quality and Water Resources" of the state program "Environmental Protection and Sustainable Use of Natural Resources" for 2021–2025, approved by Resolution No. 99 of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus dated February 19, 2021.
One of the main tasks of the Hydrometeorological Service of the Republic of Belarus is to ensure the country's hydrometeorological safety — the state of protection of individuals, society, and the state from the impacts of hazardous hydrometeorological and/or heliogeophysical phenomena, and global changes in weather and climate conditions. One of the key tasks in ensuring hydrometeorological safety is the timely acquisition of reliable and comprehensive information, forecasts and warnings about hazardous hydrometeorological phenomena, enabling the timely organization of work to ensure the safety of life, protect the property of the population, and prevent possible damage to the economy.
The source of hydrometeorological information is the state network of hydrometeorological observations, which is a system of interconnected stationary observation points that provide primary hydrometeorological data. Primary data obtained from hydrometeorological observations meet the requirements for reliability of observation results, achieved through the use of verified and serviceable instruments and equipment, adherence to observation methodology requirements, and the representativeness of the location conditions of stationary observation points.
Surface meteorological observations are carried out to obtain meteorological data in the surface layer of the atmosphere, which involve determining the characteristics of the state and development of physical processes in the atmosphere as it interacts with the underlying surface. They include instrumental measurements of meteorological parameters characterizing these processes at set times, and visual determination of the main characteristics of the most significant atmospheric phenomena.
Currently, surface meteorological observations are conducted at 144 stationary observation points, of which 73 operate under the meteorological station program, and 71 under the meteorological post program (including 8 automatic points for measuring precipitation).
At 37 stations, observations are carried out by staff around the clock under a full observation program covering more than 40 meteorological parameters (air temperature and humidity, wind parameters, atmospheric pressure, etc.), including observations of adverse and hazardous weather phenomena (strong winds, heavy precipitation, low cloud cover, poor visibility, glaze and rime deposits, etc.), and are transmitted to Belhydromet.
At 12 stations, surface meteorological observations are carried out by staff under a reduced program (without night shifts).
At 24 observation points (autonomous), surface meteorological observation data are generated automatically (without staff), including 8 observation points operating within the city of Minsk.
Actinometric observations are designed to study the radiation regime in the territory of the Republic of Belarus. The radiation regime of the earth's surface is created by the sun's radiant energy, which, passing through the atmosphere and reflecting from the earth's surface, transforms into various radiation fluxes. Actinometric observations include observations of direct, diffuse, total, reflected radiation and radiation balance.
The first actinometric observations were conducted in Minsk in 1936–1937, with regular observations beginning in 1952. In Belarus, actinometric observations are carried out at 12 meteorological stations.
At the Polesskaya Bog station, heat balance observations are carried out to calculate the components of the heat balance of the earth's surface.
Aerological observations (atmospheric radiosounding) are carried out to study the upper layers of the atmosphere. Using radiosounding, specialists obtain information on the vertical distribution of meteorological parameters such as pressure, temperature, air humidity, wind speed, and direction at different atmospheric levels. Atmospheric radiosounding is performed using aerological instruments — radiosondes. Meteorological radiosondes are lifted using special balloons — latex shells filled with hydrogen or helium — that can reach heights of 35–40 km. The radiosonde measures meteorological parameters in the free atmosphere while simultaneously transmitting them to a receiving point. A ground-based radar station tracks the radiosonde in flight, receiving and recording coordinate and telemetric data.
The first radiosonde launch in Belarus was carried out in 1935. Atmospheric radiosounding is conducted from the Brest aerological observation point, with observation materials used in weather forecasting, forecasting hazardous and adverse weather phenomena, and meteorological support for civil aviation. Atmospheric radiosounding from observation points in Minsk and Gomel has been temporarily suspended.
Hydrological observations at gauging stations are conducted on elements of the hydrological regime: water level, water discharge corresponding to the stage, thermal regime, ice phenomena, and at some stations, suspended and bedload sediments. The first studies of Belarusian rivers were carried out in the early 18th century in connection with the development of waterways and the construction of navigable canals. In the second half of the 18th century, hydrographic surveys began on the navigable rivers Dnieper, Berezina, Pripyat, Western Dvina, Neman, and Bug. In 1876, stationary hydrological observations began in Bobruisk, Mozyr, Mogilev, Grodno, Vitebsk, Slonim, Belitsa, Stolbtsy, Mosty, Orsha, Zhlobin, Loyev, and Borisov.
Modern observations of the hydrological regime of rivers and water bodies are conducted at 114 gauging stations (104 river and 10 lake) and 2 bog transects. The stations are located throughout Belarus on large, medium, and small rivers, as well as on the most significant lakes and reservoirs of scientific and recreational importance.
On some lakes and reservoirs, in addition to observations in the coastal zone, hydrometeorological observations are carried out over their water area.
Belhydromet maintains the State Water Cadastre under the "Surface Waters" section, prepares "Annual Data on Surface Water Regime and Resources" (Hydrological Yearbooks), and reference books "Long-term Data on Surface Water Regime and Resources" for the territory of the republic, which include information on the hydrological regime. In addition, publications of specialized observations from the Polesskaya bog station ("Observation Materials from Bog Stations") and from 9 observation points for evaporation from water surfaces ("Observation Materials on Evaporation from Water Surfaces") are prepared annually.
For the operational recording and generalization of changes in the hydrographic network, a system has been developed and implemented that allows tracking all changes in the hydrographic network and promptly reflecting them in the materials of the State Water Cadastre of Belarus. Cadastre materials are used in solving water management tasks in hydraulic engineering construction and in justifying measures aimed at the rational and efficient use of water resources of the Republic of Belarus.
Based on annual observation results, the information data banks "Hydrology – Rivers and Canals" and "Lakes and Reservoirs" are updated, which serve as the basis for preparing reference books, generalizing hydrological characteristics, conducting research, calculating hydrological characteristics for servicing organizations, and preparing the Interdepartmental Publication of the State Water Cadastre.
A hydrological forecast is defined as an assessment of the future states of a hydrological phenomenon. A probabilistic approach is required for future phenomena, considering a wide range of possible scenarios. Depending on the time interval for which the forecast is made, forecasts are distinguished as short-term, medium-term and long-term. By type, there are hydrological forecasts of water regime elements and forecasts of ice phenomena.
Hydrometeorological information, as an important economic factor, helps economic entities choose the right development strategy and take timely protective measures to prevent damage from adverse and hazardous hydrometeorological phenomena.