Precipitation and Snow Cover Monitoring

Status: Realized projects

The project ensures accurate measurement of rainfall, hail, and snow near the Gulf of Riga to provide timely weather data and improve short-term forecasts. This information supports more efficient winter road maintenance and helps minimize the negative impact of weather conditions on traffic.

The Significance of the Project for Riga

Although Riga currently operates 16 road meteorological stations for monitoring driving conditions and has a contract with the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LEGMC) for detailed short-term weather forecasts, sudden and intense snowfall can still occur. Cold air masses from the north over the unfrozen Gulf of Riga can bring unexpected heavy snow, significantly disrupting traffic and public transport routes. These conditions complicate the planning and execution of street maintenance and public transport operations.

Target of the Project

The project aims to create a system for monitoring precipitation levels and types, providing real-time data to the LEGMC to improve short-term forecasts. The collected information also helps Riga’s winter maintenance services plan their work more effectively by integrating precipitation data with other meteorological information.

Benefits for Residents

✔ More efficiently maintained streets and public transport routes during winter
✔ Fewer traffic jams and delays during extreme weather conditions

Project Activities

✔ Installation and calibration of precipitation measurement instruments
✔ Programming and configuration for data transmission to the IoT platform
✔ System testing in cooperation with meteorological and traffic services

Project Implementation Area

Near the Gulf of Riga — equipment installed in Vecāķi, Bolderāja, and Daugavgrīva

Project Results

✔ Established and operational precipitation monitoring system
✔ Improved short-term weather forecasts, especially for winter conditions
✔ Increased efficiency of winter maintenance planning
✔ Developed database for statistical and analytical use

Funding, Duration, and Partners

Funding source: Riga City Innovation Fund
Total budget: EUR 11 790,24
Implementation period: 2024

Project partners: Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, Riga City Council’s Spatial Planning and Mobility Department, and the Civil Protection and Operational Information Division of Riga City Central Administration

Contact Information

Jānis Sproģis
Head of the Traffic Management Center
Spatial Planning and Mobility Department
Riga City Council
Phone: +371 67012763
Email: janis.sprogis@riga.lv