Riga, Jan 31 (NationPress) Latvia experienced its most severe cold wave in over a decade this past weekend, with a weather station in Daugavpils, located in southeastern Latvia, recording a frigid temperature of -32 degrees Celsius, according to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center.

Throughout much of the nation, temperatures fluctuated between -16 and -26 degrees, while the most temperate area, Kolka in northwestern Latvia, reported a relatively mild -7 degrees. In the capital city of Riga, temperatures dropped to -16 degrees early Saturday morning.

Social media was abuzz with stunning photos of snowy landscapes, as winter sports enthusiasts flocked to Latvia's ski slopes and public skating rinks. However, authorities cautioned about the potential health risks posed by such low temperatures to individuals and their homes.

The harsh winter has led to rising heating costs and a shortage of wood pellets, which have become critical issues, as reported by Xinhua news agency. Heating bills for December, already elevated due to the cold weather, are projected to surge by 30 to 70 percent, prompting the government to consider assistance for vulnerable segments of the population.

In addition, homeowners have voiced concerns about the scarcity of wood pellets in stores. Fuel manufacturers indicate that the orders placed by distributors prior to the heating season fell short of meeting current demand.

Despite the severe conditions, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina assured the public that there is no energy crisis in the nation. Nevertheless, Economics Minister Viktors Valainis has been assigned to develop strategies to support residents during this challenging winter.

Emergency services, including the Fire and Rescue Service and the Emergency Medical Service, urged the public to exercise caution with heating equipment and prioritize safety, as prolonged exposure to extreme cold can result in hypothermia, frostbite, or even fatality. On January 22, Riga East University Hospital reported treating seven patients for severe frostbite.

Meteorologists have pointed out that such low temperatures during late January and early February are not unprecedented in Latvia, and it appears that all existing cold-weather records will remain intact after this particularly chilly weekend.

According to meteorologist Toms Bricis, cold snaps like this have become less frequent, and society is often unprepared for them. He noted that in previous years, temperatures dropping to -30 degrees were much more common, with Arctic air from Russia frequently bringing even colder weather to Latvia.

In recent times, however, global warming has resulted in milder winters in Latvia, causing residents to forget what a typical winter should feel like. The last recorded temperature below -30 degrees was in 2021, five years ago.

Historically, temperatures of -30 degrees were commonplace. The last time Riga saw such a low reading was in 1994, though this weekend is expected to be slightly warmer, with morning temperatures hovering around -20 degrees, according to meteorologists.