Weather in Riga
Riga’s Saturday, 16 August, starts unsettled but improves into a fresher, breezy day. After midnight and through the early morning there will be periods of rain and thick cloud, with temperatures around 20 to 18 degrees and very humid air. By sunrise, showers become spotty and skies start to break in places, though it stays damp with a lingering chance of a brief shower. Winds are southerly at first, then swing around to northwesterly by late morning as a front moves through.
Late morning into the afternoon is our turnaround. Clouds thin to partly cloudy, the air dries out, and it feels noticeably fresher. Afternoon temperatures level off near 19 to 20 degrees, and with the lower humidity the feels-like stays close to the actual readings. It will be breezy, with sustained winds around 18 to 22 kilometers per hour and gusts that can peak near 45 to 50, especially late morning to mid-afternoon. By evening, temperatures ease down through the mid to low teens, reaching about 14 by late evening. A new shower risk returns toward 22:00 and afterward.
UV peaks around 6 in early to mid afternoon, so even with intervals of cloud, sun protection makes sense when the sky opens up. Visibility remains generally good, and pressure rises into the afternoon, a sign of the improving spell.
Clothing and comfort: plan on light layers and a waterproof for the early hours, then switch to a windproof layer once the breeze kicks in. Footwear with grip helps on wet pavements early and again late evening. For the afternoon, it is comfortable in a long sleeve or light jacket.
Health and activity notes:
- Young mothers and infants: the damp early breeze can chill quickly; keep prams covered in showers and add a light layer. Midday sun can still bite briefly; use shade and sunscreen when the clouds part.
- Elderly people: take care on slick surfaces early and later at night, and bring an extra layer for the brisk afternoon wind.
- Motorcyclists and bicyclists: expect strong crosswinds, especially late morning to mid-afternoon; choose sheltered routes and be cautious on bridges. Early and late wet patches can reduce traction.
- Car drivers: watch for sudden gusts and standing water in the morning and late evening; allow extra stopping distance.
- Garden enthusiasts: the morning rain does some watering for us. Hold off on additional watering and postpone spraying or delicate tasks until winds ease. Consider staking tall plants before the gusts.
- Pet owners: a towel for wet paws in the morning and later at night will be useful. The cooler, drier afternoon is great for longer walks, but keep water handy.
In short, tomorrow brings a wet start, a breezy and brighter middle of the day, and a cool, possibly showery finish. Plan around the wind and those two wetter windows, and the afternoon should feel pleasantly fresh.