Rain warning across Latvia Wednesday

However, an orange-level warning has been issued overnight into Thursday for heavy and prolonged rain in the central part of the country. Rain will be heaviest in Vidzeme during the first half of the day, but in the afternoon and evening it will shift to Kurzeme, as well as western Zemgale and Vidzeme. Thunderstorms are also expected in some areas. A slow, variable wind will prevail, with the exception of Kurzeme, where a strong north-northwesterly wind will blow, reaching gusts of around 20 metres per second along the coast. Maximum air temperatures will range from +15 to +19 degrees Celsius. In Rīga, most of the day will be dry, with frequent sunshine, but rain will begin in the late afternoon or early evening and will be heavy at times. Maximum air temperatures will range from +18 to +19 degrees. In many parts of Kurzeme, as well as in the western parts of Zemgale and Vidzeme, prolonged and at times heavy rain will continue into Thursday night. On Wednesday and Thursday, the total amount of precipitation in many parts of Kurzeme, as well as in the western parts of Zemgale and Vidzeme, may exceed 50 millimetres, and locally, the entire monthly average may fall. The beginning of July has already been particularly rainy. According to data from the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LVĢMC), the heaviest rainfall has been in Riga, where precipitation this month has already reached 66 millimetres—approximately 80% of the monthly average. Elsewhere in central Latvia, about 50 millimetres of rain has fallen, while in the rest of the country, precipitation has mostly ranged from 20 to 40 millimetres. The expected rainfall may cause localised flooding in some areas. Be prepared for large, difficult-to-navigate puddles to form on roads and streets, as well as possible damage to road infrastructure. The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LVĢMC) reminds the public that heavy rain will make the soil saturated, potentially preventing it from absorbing water, and may overload stormwater drainage systems. There is a risk that floodplains, low-lying areas, and transportation infrastructure will be flooded in certain regions. You can follow the latest weather warnings at bridinajumi.meteo.lv.