Meteorological spring triggers flooding in eastern and northeastern Latvia

RIGA - Rain and melting snow are causing water levels to rise in most rivers in the northeastern Latvian region of Vidzeme and the eastern region of Latgale, the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center informs. 

The meteorological spring has already started in all Latvia. Spring flooding in the rivers of western and central Latvia is already past its peak and the snow has melted away, but in some parts of Vidzeme and Latgale snow still covers the ground. Due to the rain, though, water levels are expected to rise across the country in the coming days.

This year, there is less snow in the basins of the Daugava and Gauja rivers than usual and snow content in the water is lower as well, which means that the water levels will depend on the amount of precipitation. Hydrologists forecast water volumes in rivers during the spring flooding to be closed to the average or below it. Still, wetlands and other low-lying areas are likely to be submerged. 

This year, ice in the rivers is not as thick as usual, which means that huge ice congestions are unlikely. The ice in the rivers is expected start moving in a week's time, about a month earlier than usual.