Orange weather warning for Tuesday

Overnight from Monday to Tuesday, a precipitation zone will cross Latvia from the west, which will bring snow at first, but this will quickly turn into sleet and rain, with the potential for ice formation becoming stronger during the day as temperatures fluctuate above and below zero. Therefore from 08:00 to 20:00 an orange warning ('danger') will be in effect.

Western Kurzeme will be warmer than the rest of the country, and the weather warning there will be slightly reduced from orange to yellow ('potential danger').

Roads, streets and sidewalks will likely be slippery, and ice could also form on other surfaces, including trees and power lines, which could also present problems with power supply.

Following the weather alert, Rīga Airport released information saying that disruption could be caused to its schedules, with passengers advised to check the status of flights before departure. 

Rīga City Council also drew attention to the potential threat posed by heavy icing, calling a special meeting on the subject to prepare municipal authorities to tackle slippery pavements and roads and other hazards such a falling icicles.

"Residents are invited to expect that movement will be difficult and to adjust their daily activities accordingly, choosing appropriate modes and routes, as well as weather-appropriate shoes. Seniors are especially invited to evaluate the need to go outside the home.

"Municipal employees will be invited to work remotely as much as possible. The municipality also invites employees of other institutions to evaluate the possibility of working from home. Also, parents are invited to discuss with their children how to move safely and get to educational institutions. The school will send information to parents on Monday evening with recommendations on what to do. There are no plans to interrupt in-person studies," Rīga City Council said. 

Main streets will be treated with a salt mixture, sprinkling will be repeated during rain. In places where puddles will form as a result of snow melting, water will be pumped out. Rīga residents are invited to promptly report slippery streets, bridges, uncleaned pedestrian crossings and public transport stops, puddles and potholes by phone on 80003600 or by writing to [email protected]. 

In the center of Riga, where the sidewalks are maintained by the municipality this year, the sidewalks will be sprinkled with a mixture of sand and salt. Sprinkling will be repeated as necessary, depending on the weather conditions. 

As the temperature rises, snow and icicles can fall from the roofs of houses, which can endanger pedestrians and cars parked on the side of the street. So far this winter, 38 people were injured due to uncleared sidewalks, while two people were injured and one car was damaged due to snow falling from roofs. House owners are responsible for timely cleaning of roofs. This winter, the Riga municipal police has initiated 111 infringement proceedings for unkempt sidewalks and 133 infringement proceedings for uncleaned roofs.