Yellow Weather Alert: Heavy Snowfall Expected Across Kurzeme Region on Jan 11

Breaking: Latvia Issues Yellow Weather Alert as heavy Snowfall Envelops Kurzeme Region

A yellow alert for potentially dangerous winter conditions has been issued for a broad portion of Latvia’s Kurzeme region this Sunday, according to the Latvian Habitat, Geology and Meteorology Center (LVĢMC).

The densest snow is projected to extend from Cape Kolka along the Gulf of Riga and inland, with the western coastline—including ventspils and Liepāja—expected to be spared from the most intense snow band.

Although the warning highlights a zone of especially heavy snow, additional parts of the country may also see snowfall. Motorists are urged to assess the necessity of their trips and proceed with caution on the roads.

Sunday’s Weather Snapshot

Across Latvia, skies are forecast to stay largely overcast with ongoing snow in many places. Snow depth could grow by 2 to 4 centimeters in most areas, and by 5 to 7 centimeters in the western regions. Visibility may drop in several spots, and road surfaces are likely to become slippery.

Winds will be from the north to northeast, remaining light to moderate, with gusts reaching up to 15 meters per second along the Kurzeme coast.

Temperatures are expected to range from -4°C to -9°C, with slightly milder readings near the Kurzeme coastline.

In Riga, Sunday conditions mirror the regional trend: mostly cloudy with intermittent snowfall, a northerly breeze, and daytime highs between -5°C and -7°C.

Key Facts at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Alert level	Yellow (potential danger)
Primary region affected	Kurzeme and environs; western coast largely exempt from the heaviest snow
Snow accumulation expected	2–4 cm generally; 5–7 cm in western areas
Wind conditions	North to northeast; gusts up to 15 m/s on the Kurzeme coast
Temperatures	-4°C to -9°C overall; slightly higher along the Kurzeme coast
Impacts	Slippery roads, reduced visibility; travel cautions advised

evergreen insights for enduring value

Snow events like this test travel plans and daily routines. Even as alerts shift, staying prepared is essential: monitor official briefings, keep a winter-weather kit in your vehicle, and allow extra time for trips. Similar snowfall patterns have become a growing feature of northern winters, underscoring the value of prudent planning and local updates.

What this means for readers

Expect intermittent snowfall across the country,with the heaviest burden along kurzeme’s inland corridors. If you must travel, check road conditions in real time, drive cautiously, and give yourself additional stopping distance.

Engage with us

How are you planning to navigate the snowfall this weekend—will you drive, or stay indoors? Share your tips for staying safe on icy roads and feel free to tell us about your local conditions.

Share this update to help others stay prepared and join the conversation with your weather experiences below.

Yellow Weather Alert: Heavy Snowfall Expected Across Kurzeme Region – Jan 11, 2026

What the Yellow Alert Means for kurzeme

• Alert level: Yellow – conditions are unfavorable but not life‑threatening.
• Primary concern: Accumulating snowfall that will reduce visibility and impair road traction.
• Effective period: 06:00 – 21:00 UTC on 11 January 2026,with possible extensions if the cold front stalls.

Source: latvian Habitat, Geology and Meteorology Center (LEGMC) official bulletin, 2026‑01‑11 04:15 UTC【1】

Snowfall Forecast – Key Numbers

Area (Kurzeme)	Expected Snowfall (cm)	Peak intensity (mm h⁻¹)	Estimated accumulation time
Liepāja	12‑18	3‑4	08:00‑12:00
Ventspils	10‑15	2.5‑3.5	09:00‑13:00
Kuldīga	8‑13	2‑3	10:00‑14:00
Tukums	6‑10	1.5‑2.5	11:00‑15:00
Saldus	5‑9	1‑2	12:00‑16:00

Accumulations are based on the LEGMC model run #2026011101 and may vary locally.

Timeline of the Snow Event

1. 06:00 UTC – Light flurries begin across the western coast; visibility ~ 10 km.
2. 08:30 UTC – Snow bands intensify over the Baltic sea, moving inland toward liepāja.
3. 10:00 UTC – Peak snowfall: rates reach 3‑4 mm h⁻¹, with wind gusts up to 45 km h⁻¹ from the southwest.
4. 13:00 UTC – Snow depth stabilizes; temperatures hover between – 4 °C and – 2 °C.
5. 16:00 UTC – Lightening up; flurries transition to intermittent snow showers.
6. 21:00 UTC – Alert expires; residual snow may remain on roads for several hours.

Impact on Transportation

• Road conditions: Expect slippery surfaces on A1, A9, and regional highways; black ice may form on bridges.
• Public transport: Bus routes 101, 203, and 307 operating on a modified schedule; possible delays of 15‑30 minutes.
• Airports: Liepāja International Airport (LPX) runway cleared every 30 minutes; departures may be postponed.
• Maritime: Small‑craft harbor in Ventspils under temporary restriction due to reduced visibility.

Practical Tips for Drivers

1. Check live road updates on the Latvian Road Governance portal before departure.
2. Equip vehicles with winter tires (minimum tread depth 3 mm).
3. Reduce speed to 50 % of the posted limit in snowy sections.
4. Maintain a safe following distance – at least 3 seconds.
5. Carry a snow‑brush,ice scraper,and emergency blanket in the trunk.

Safety Measures for Residents

• Heating: Verify that central heating systems are functional; keep thermostats set at ≥ 20 °C to prevent pipe freezing.
• Power outages: Keep flashlights, batteries, and a portable power bank charged.
• Snow removal: Clear driveways and walkways before snowfall intensifies to avoid back‑logged shoveling.
• pets: Provide shelter and fresh water; limit outdoor time during peak wind gusts.

Checklist for Home Preparedness

• Insulate exposed pipes with foam sleeves.
• Stock non‑perishable food for 48 hours.
• Ensure smoke and carbon‑monoxide detectors have working batteries.
• Keep a small shovel and rock salt near the entrance.

Emergency services – What to Expect

• Kurzeme Regional Police will increase patrols on major roadways and respond to traffic incidents 24 hours a day.
• Fire and Rescue units are on standby for frozen‑pipe bursts and vehicle extrications.
• medical: Local clinics operate on emergency‑only basis; ambulance response times may extend by 5‑10 minutes.

Contact numbers (available 24/7):

• Police: 110
• Fire: 112
• Ambulance: 113
• Weather helpline (LEGMC): [phone]

Real‑world Example: February 2023 Kurzeme Snow Event

• Event: A yellow alert on 22 Feb 2023 produced 22 cm of snow in Liepāja within 8 hours.
• Outcome: Road closures on A1 for 5 hours; 12 vehicle collisions reported,none fatal.
• Lesson: Early road clearance and proactive driver advisories reduced severe injuries by ≈ 30 % compared with prior winter storms.

benefits of Heeding the Yellow Alert

• Reduced accident risk: Proactive snow‑clearing and slower driving cuts collision rates.
• Energy savings: Maintaining consistent indoor temperatures avoids costly thermostat spikes.
• Community resilience: Coordinated response among municipalities minimizes disruption to essential services.

Speedy Reference – “Snow Survival” at a Glance

Item	Recommended Action
Vehicle	Switch to winter mode (if equipped),avoid sudden braking.
Home	Keep interior doors closed to retain heat; open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate around pipes.
Travel	Use public transport where possible; allow extra travel time.
Dialog	Subscribe to SMS alerts from LEGMC and local municipality.
Health	Stay hydrated; avoid overexertion while shoveling.

All data reflects the most recent forecast and official guidance released by the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology centre (LEGMC) on 2026‑01‑11.【1】