Riga may face its most destructive storm in recent years this weekend

A powerful storm is expected to hit Latvia this weekend, with the Vidzeme region, including Riga, likely to bear the brunt of it. Data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts suggests the capital could experience its most destructive storm in recent years.

Gusts may exceed 30 m/s

On Saturday evening, northerly and northwesterly winds in Riga are expected to strengthen, with gusts reaching around 30 meters per second. Near the coast, gusts could be even stronger, up to 35 meters per second. Later in the evening, the wind direction in the capital will shift westward and gradually weaken.

Across much of Vidzeme, gusts on Saturday evening and overnight into Sunday could reach up to 25 meters per second, with some areas seeing 28 meters per second, and coastal areas along the Gulf of Riga potentially exceeding 30 meters per second. The wind direction in Vidzemem will also shift on Saturday, turning from easterly to southerly, with southwesterly and northwesterly winds expected later.

Kurzeme expected to see less damage

Comparatively less wind damage is forecast for the Kurzeme region. The heaviest rainfall is expected in the western and central parts of the country, while Latgale is likely to see the least precipitation. By Sunday during the day, wind gusts across the country are expected to no longer exceed 20 meters per second, indicating the storm will gradually subside.

Emergency services already responding

The storm's effects are already being felt ahead of its peak. In just one day, from morning to afternoon, the State Fire and Rescue Service received more than 300 calls related to storm damage. Authorities are urging residents to prepare for possible disruptions and damage over the weekend.