Latvia Weather Warning: Severe Cold & Air Quality Issues – Feb 16-17

Latvia is bracing for another night of extreme cold, with temperatures expected to plummet as low as -29 Celsius in some regions, according to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LVĢMC). The weather warnings, issued on February 16th and continuing through February 17th, cover most of the country, with a yellow alert – indicating potential danger – in effect for the majority of areas. The south and southeast regions face a more severe orange warning, signifying a higher level of danger.

The LVĢMC forecasts that temperatures could reach -24 Celsius across much of Latvia, with the lowest temperatures – potentially dropping to -29 Celsius – anticipated between 7:00 PM and 10:00 AM local time. The warnings exclude the northern Kurzeme region and coastal districts, which are expected to experience less severe conditions.

Beyond the immediate threat of extreme cold, the LVĢMC has also issued warnings regarding air quality in several major cities, including Rīga, Ventspils, Liepāja, and Rēzekne. The agency is urging the public to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from the hazardous conditions.

Saldus, a town in the Courland region of Latvia, is among the areas affected by the cold weather. According to data from January 2025, Saldus has a population of 9,553 and is the 18th-largest city in the country. The town, situated between Riga and Liepāja, is bisected by the Ciecere River, a tributary of the Venta River. The current weather warnings do not specifically mention localized impacts on Saldus beyond the broader regional forecast.

As of Tuesday, February 17th, the LVĢMC has not issued any updates regarding the potential lifting or extension of the weather warnings. The agency has not yet responded to inquiries regarding specific preparedness measures being coordinated with local municipalities.