Heaviest rain still ahead in Kurzeme, streets flooded in Riga
Intense rainfall continues in western Latvia on Saturday while parts of Riga have seen flooded streets, with a strong windstorm expected to reach the country by evening.
By Saturday, the heaviest rain had already passed over most of Latvia — Zemgale, Sēlija, Latgale and part of Vidzeme, including Riga — though scattered and at times heavy rain is still expected there. Kalnciems has already recorded over 37 millimeters of rainfall, while Dobele reached 40 millimeters, or 62% of its monthly norm.
In Kurzeme, however, the heaviest downpours are still to come, with thunderstorms possible in some areas. Rainfall exceeding 100 millimeters is possible in Talsi municipality, the eastern part of Ventspils municipality and the western part of Tukums municipality, with a lower likelihood in Kuldīga and Saldus municipalities as well. In the afternoon, wind is also expected to pick up significantly in Kurzeme and Lithuania, with gusts already recorded up to 29 meters per second at Cape Ventspils (Ventes ragā).
Flooded streets in Riga
On Saturday afternoon, rain caused flooding on some roadways in Riga, Deputy Mayor Edvards Ratnieks (National Alliance) reported on social platform X. He said water levels were high under the Stone Bridge along 11 November Embankment, with traffic currently hindered and possibly facing a full closure. A similar situation was reported under the Southern Bridge (Salu tilts).
Riga's municipal services have six water-pumping units ready to work, with two more in reserve, and additional units can be brought in if needed. Pumping is currently underway on several streets, including Mālpils, Daugavgrīvas, Mores, Vērdiņu, Gobas and Piena streets, as well as on Ostas Avenue and Slāvu roundabout.
Storm approaching by evening
A windstorm moving in from the south is expected to reach Zemgale, Sēlija and Latgale in the evening hours, followed by Vidzeme. Northern Vidzeme, including Valmiera, will be affected last, with the strongest wind forecast there from around three in the morning. Gusts across the country may exceed 20 meters per second, reaching 25-30 in places, with gusts along the Vidzeme coast possibly topping 30 meters per second. In Riga, the storm could begin around nine in the evening, with stronger wind expected in the north of the city and gusts along the seaside potentially reaching or exceeding 30 meters per second.
