Source: Vita OLS Community manager
Yes, it’s here, and I know snow is something that comes every year, especially in the northern countries. But Latvians tend to joke that it always comes as a surprise - everyone is waiting for it but no one seems to be prepared. So with the great joy of the first snow sometimes you can experience some chaos in the streets.
But let's use this occasion to learn some new Latvian words to describe different types of snow:Sniegs - this is the typical white snow just like in the fairy tales
Sniegputenis - this is the heavy snowstorm when you hide under your hat and bring your scarf up to your eyes
Slapjdranķis - This is the mixture of snow and rain, when the snow is beautiful in the air and when it gets to the ground it turns into this muddy slippery hard-to-walk type of mass.
Cīruļputenis - this is the late spring show when you think that the spring is already here and you are mentally prepared for the warm spring sun, and like lightning on a sunny day it strikes you unprepared.
Sidraba lietutiņš - to translate it directly you can say it is "the silver rain", but this is the rain, which is frozen at the moment it hits the ground. This is the moment you should not leave your house, the roads are slippery, the sidewalks are slippery, everything is slippery, and better hide under the blanket in your cozy room.
Probably you will see all types of snow this winter, but the first one - it’s always special so enjoy it!
Vita, OLS Community Manager - Latvian