September 01, 2010
This summer in Latvia has been the warmest on record, topping the previous heat wave of 2002, according to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.
The record was broken in part thanks to the average temperature in August reaching 18.4 degrees Celsius, beating the old average temperature for the month by 2.6 degrees.
The highest temperature reported this summer was 34.8 degrees Celsius on July 13 in Ventspils, the hottest day on record in the port city’s history. Temperature records were broken around the country this summer, according to a Sept. 1 press release from the meteorology center. However, none managed to top the hottest day on record: 36.4 degrees Celsius (97.5 degrees Fahrenheit) reported Aug. 4, 1943, at Daugavpils.
On Aug. 15, for example, temperature records fell in at least 11 locations around Latvia. The thermometer on that day in Rēzekne reached 32.9 degrees Celsius (91.2 degrees Fahrenheit), breaking the previous record of 28.4 degrees Celsius.
The following day, Aug. 16, high temperature records fell in at least 12 locations, including Daugavpils, where the thermometer peaked at 33.1 degrees Celsius (91.6 degrees Fahrenheit).
Most of June was mild in temperature and humidity, according to the meteorology center. But beginning June 24, the air temperature held above the norm for more than two months. On 23 different days, according to the meteorology center, the temperature in Latvia rose to more than 30 degrees Celsius.
July proved to be not only warm but also rainy. Frequent thunderstorms were reported during the month, some with intense rain and wind. July 18 saw especially unsettled weather in Rīga, with many reports of flooding in streets and buildings, as well as of tree limbs being blown down, damaging electrical lines and blocking traffic.
Andris Straumanis is editor of Latvians Online.
