Latvia’s Shifting Climate: A Year of Surprises and What It Means for the Future
Latvia experienced a year of climatic contrasts in 2025, marked by a cool, wet summer that initially suggested a poor harvest. However, the overall picture is far more nuanced. Despite the challenging conditions, the year is on track to be the fourth warmest on record, highlighting the complex and often counterintuitive effects of climate change. This article delves into the key weather events of 2025 and explores the potential long-term trends shaping Latvia’s climate future.
A Warm Year Despite a Chilly Summer
While the summer of 2025 was noticeably cooler and wetter than usual – just 0.2 degrees Celsius below the climatic norm – Latvia experienced significantly warmer conditions during winter, spring, and autumn. Provisional data indicates an average annual temperature of 8.1°C, trailing only 2020 (8.8°C), 2019, and 2024 as the warmest years since comprehensive records began in 1924. This demonstrates a decoupling of seasonal expectations, where individual periods can deviate significantly from the overall warming trend.
Did you know? The global average temperature has risen by approximately 1.1°C since the late 19th century, but the warming trend is more pronounced in Northern and Eastern Europe, including Latvia.
The Vanishing Winter and Early Springs
The winter of 2025 continued the trend of milder, shorter winters. Stable freezing temperatures and snowfall were limited to just three weeks in February, with the lowest recorded temperature reaching -19.7°C in Daugavpils. Snow cover remained shallow across most of the country, rarely exceeding 20cm. This lack of consistent winter conditions has significant implications for ecosystems and agriculture, impacting soil moisture and pest control. The calendar winter averaged 0.2°C, a full 2.6°C warmer than the climatic norm.
The year also saw an exceptionally early spring, with meteorological spring arriving at the end of February. April brought a dramatic swing from a brief cold snap to a record-breaking heatwave, with temperatures reaching 28.4°C in Skrīveri – the highest ever recorded in Latvia for the month of April. This unprecedented warmth, occurring during the Easter holiday, underscored the increasing unpredictability of the climate.
Extreme Rainfall and the Paradox of Harvests
The warm spell in April was quickly followed by a period of intense rainfall, leading to localized flooding of fields and roads. Farmers in Kurzeme reported washed-away crops, while May and June continued the pattern of heavy precipitation. Despite this, the overall picture for agriculture was surprisingly positive. While eastern Latvia experienced exceptionally wet conditions, leading to crop losses, regions in Kurzeme and Zemgale saw near-normal rainfall levels.
Remarkably, Latvia achieved one of its largest grain harvests in recent years, surpassing even the yields of 2024, 2022, and 2020. However, the grain quality was compromised, with smaller grain sizes impacting its suitability for food production. Experts at the Latvian Rural Advisory and Education Centre noted high protein content but classified the harvest primarily as animal feed.
Record-Breaking Hail and the Rise of Extreme Events
Adding to the year’s climatic drama, Smiltene region experienced a record-breaking hailstorm, with hailstone diameters reaching 11.5cm – significantly larger than previously recorded in Latvia. This event caused damage to gardens, homes, and vehicles, highlighting the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
A New Normal? Rethinking Seasonal Expectations
The year 2025 challenges traditional perceptions of seasonal weather patterns. The fact that this year was warmer overall despite a cooler summer suggests that Latvia is adapting to a “new normal” where long-term warming trends overshadow short-term fluctuations. The last seven summers have constituted the longest consecutive period of warm summers on record.
Pro Tip: Farmers and businesses should prioritize climate resilience strategies, including drought-resistant crops, improved drainage systems, and diversification of income streams.
Hydroelectric Power: A Mixed Bag
The abundant rainfall benefited hydroelectric power generation, with record electricity production in June and July. However, the lack of snow during the winter and spring reduced water levels in the Daugava River, leading to lower-than-average production during those crucial months. As a result, 2025 is projected to be one of the least productive years for the Daugava HES cascade in the last 40 years.
The Future Climate of Latvia: Trends and Projections
The events of 2025 reinforce several key climate trends expected to continue in Latvia:
- Increased Temperatures: Continued warming is projected, with average temperatures expected to rise by 2-4°C by the end of the century under moderate emission scenarios.
- More Extreme Weather: An increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, heavy rainfall events, and droughts.
- Shorter, Milder Winters: Reduced snow cover and more frequent thaw-freeze cycles.
- Shifting Growing Seasons: Earlier springs and later autumns, potentially altering agricultural practices.
These changes will have profound implications for various sectors, including agriculture, forestry, energy, and tourism. Adapting to these changes will require proactive planning, investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, and a shift towards sustainable practices.
2025 Climate Records at a Glance
Hottest Location: Rīga, Mērsrags, 32.4°C (July 3rd)
Coldest Location: Daugavpils, -19.7°C (February 20th)
Most Rainfall: Madona, approximately 890mm
Least Rainfall: Staļģene (Jelgava region), approximately 510mm
Strongest Wind Gusts: Rīga, Daugavgrīva, 29 m/s (October 12th); Ventspils, 29 m/s (December 30th)
Deepest Snow Cover: Rūjiena, 22cm (January 12th)
Most Sunshine: Liepāja, approximately 1860 hours
Least Sunshine: Alūksne, approximately 1615 hours
FAQ
Q: Is climate change solely responsible for the unusual weather in 2025?
A: While natural climate variability plays a role, the observed trends are consistent with the broader pattern of human-induced climate change.
Q: What can individuals do to mitigate the effects of climate change?
A: Reducing your carbon footprint through energy conservation, sustainable transportation, and responsible consumption are key steps.
Q: How is the Latvian government addressing climate change?
A: Latvia has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and is investing in renewable energy sources and climate adaptation measures.
Q: Will summers always be wet in Latvia?
A: Not necessarily. Climate change is increasing the variability of weather patterns, meaning both droughts and heavy rainfall events are likely to become more frequent.
What are your thoughts on the changing climate in Latvia? Share your experiences and concerns in the comments below! Explore our other articles on sustainable living and environmental policy to learn more. Subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates on climate change and its impact on Latvia.
