SOKOLAC COLDEST THIS MORNING AT 3.7 BELOW ZERO

BANJA LUKA, MAY 18 /SRNA/ - Sokolac recorded the lowest temperature in the country this morning, at minus 3.7 degrees Celsius, according to the Republic Hydrometeorological Institute /RHZ/.

The Institute noted that due to its geographical features, Sokolac is known as a frost pocket, a location prone to very low minimum temperatures.

It is also common for Sokolac to experience light frost in May, with temperatures slightly below zero. Since 1961, frost has been recorded in May in 49 different years.

"However, a minimum temperature of -3.7°C is not a common occurrence. In the past 65 years, it has only been colder than on May 18 this year on four occasions — in 2011, 2018, 1978, and 1962," the Republic Hydrometeorological Institute said.

They also added that this is the latest date in May on which such a low temperature has been recorded.

In Sokolac, the temperature of -4.3°C was recorded on May 6, 2011; -4.2°C was recorded on May 8, 2019; -4.2°C on May 13, 1978; and -4.0°C on May 1, 1962.

The Institute noted that on the night of May 15 to 16, the influence of a cyclone from northeastern Europe strengthened, allowing a significant influx of much colder air into the region.

It was significantly colder on May 16 and 17, especially during the nights and mornings.

Yesterday morning was also cold, but cloudier weather kept temperatures in the hilly and mountainous areas around zero.

Meteorologists pointed out that last night was clear, which favored temperatures dropping below zero in most of the hilly and mountainous regions.