Severe storms to hit southern Lithuania with hail and squalls
Lithuania Severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail and squalls are expected in parts of southern Lithuania on Thursday afternoon, LRT reports, citing forecasters from the country’s Hydrometeorological Service, known as Meteo LT.
Forecaster Simona Dalinkevičiūtė said the storm could affect Marijampolė and Alytus counties, as well as the southern parts of Kaunas and Vilnius counties.
“The first storm cells are expected from around 3 p.m., although they may arrive somewhat later,” she said at a press conference.
More than 15 millimetres of rain could fall in a short period, while hailstones are expected to be at least 6 millimetres in diameter. Earlier forecasts warned of squalls reaching 15 to 20 metres per second.
Some areas could experience rainfall similar to that seen in Vilnius over the weekend, when a very large amount of rain fell in a short time. Other places are expected to see more typical summer downpours, Dalinkevičiūtė said.
After a zone of morning rain and thunderstorms moves away, conditions are expected to briefly improve, bringing relatively hot and humid weather. New rain and thunderclouds are forecast to form in the afternoon and evening, bringing rain to much of the country, with heavy rainfall in some areas.
The most severe storm is forecast for southern Lithuania from around 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. Residents have received warnings about the potential storm, squalls and hail. Forecasters noted that summer thunderstorm forecasting is particularly difficult and the forecast could still change.
Weekend forecast
Friday will bring variable cloud cover. There may be brief rain in some places overnight, while daytime showers are expected only in isolated areas. Temperatures will range from 13 to 18 degrees Celsius at night and from 20 to 25 degrees during the day.
Brief showers are possible in some areas on Saturday, while the chance of rain will be low on Sunday. Saturday night temperatures will range from 9 to 14 degrees, with daytime temperatures of 19 to 24 degrees. Sunday will be cooler overnight, at 7 to 12 degrees, and daytime temperatures will reach 20 to 25 degrees.