Sultry, stormy start to warm weather week in Latvia

In Vidzeme and Latgale a moderate southerly to southeasterly wind will blow, whereas in Zemgale and around Riga winds will be slow and variable wind, while in Kurzeme a moderate northern wind will prevail.

In the afternoon and evening storm clouds will form in the central and eastern parts of the country leading to thunderstorms with particularly heavy rainfall, possible hailstones and strong gusts of wind that could cause damage.

Daytime temperatures could climb as high as + 30 degrees Celsius, though in Kurzeme and along the coasts it will be cooler by five or six degrees.

In Rīga, the sun will shine between the clouds until evening thunderstorms that might temporarily flood streets. Maximum air temperatures will be around +25 C. 

Indeed, Monday will set the weather attern for much of the week. Tuesday will be similar and in some places in the east could be even warmer with temperatures of + 29 C to + 31 C. 

In the second half of the week, the intensity of precipitation will decrease. Temperatures will remain in the range of  +24 C to + 27 C during the day, though the risk of occasional thunderstorms will remain.

Ērģemes parish in Valka district got a taste of the thunderstorms to come on Sunday, with unusually large hailstones falling (pictured above). While not pleasant to have one hit you on the head, they do at least look perfect for a cooling cocktail.