Kasari jõgi weather today
Kasari estuary — the core of Matsalu National Park
5-day forecast
River data
- Length
- 100 km
- Drainage basin
- 3220 km²
- Source
- Forests of the Järva–Rapla county border zone
- Mouth
- Matsalu Bay (Väinameri)
The Kasari is a 100 km river in western Estonia that drains a catchment of roughly 3,200 km² across Rapla and Järva counties and empties into Matsalu Bay. The river is the hydrological backbone of Matsalu National Park — its annual spring flood creates the coastal meadows that form the most important bird-migration stopover in the Baltic Sea region. The Kasari has the largest flow volume in western Estonia.
- Measurement point: 58,727° N, 23,997° E
History & culture
Matsalu National Park was established in 1957 and added in 1976 to the Ramsar list of wetlands of international importance — one of the first Ramsar designations in the Soviet Union. The manor estates built along the river used the Kasari's spring floods to create natural meadows, which were grazed under the traditional coastal-meadow husbandry system. Each spring up to 200,000 migratory birds stop over in Matsalu Bay, making it the most important migration stopover in western Estonia.
Seasonal changes
The Kasari's spring high water in March and April floods the Matsalu meadowlands, creating ideal conditions for migrating birds to stop over; at its summer low in August the flow volume drops sharply.
Local climate
| Month | Avg °C | Avg high °C | Avg low °C | Precip mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -3.0 | -1.2 | -5.2 | 50.8 |
| Feb | -3.8 | -1.5 | -6.2 | 47.4 |
| Mar | -0.8 | 2.4 | -3.9 | 37.6 |
| Apr | 5.1 | 9.2 | 1.0 | 39.8 |
| May | 10.7 | 14.9 | 6.1 | 43.0 |
| Jun | 15.5 | 19.2 | 11.1 | 68.3 |
| Jul | 18.2 | 21.7 | 14.2 | 74.0 |
| Aug | 17.2 | 20.7 | 13.6 | 86.0 |
| Sep | 12.7 | 15.7 | 9.7 | 55.2 |
| Oct | 7.2 | 9.5 | 4.9 | 63.4 |
| Nov | 2.6 | 4.3 | 0.8 | 56.7 |
| Dec | -1.1 | 0.6 | -3.1 | 51.3 |
Frequently asked questions
When does the high water arrive?
The Kasari's spring high water in March and April floods the Matsalu meadowlands, creating ideal conditions for migrating birds to stop over; at its summer low in August the flow volume drops sharply.
When does Kasari jõgi freeze?
Kasari jõgi usually freezes in January, when the area's average January air temperature drops to -3.0°C. The ice typically lasts until March, when the spring thaw begins.
Is Kasari jõgi suitable for canoeing?
Kasari jõgi is best for canoeing from May to September, when the water level is stable and the current moderate. During the April spring flood, expect a faster current.
Where does Kasari jõgi begin and end?
Kasari jõgi begins Forests of the Järva–Rapla county border zone and flows into Matsalu Bay (Väinameri).
How long is Kasari jõgi?
The river is 100 km long.
Is Kasari jõgi good for fishing?
Kasari jõgi is rich in fish: common species are pike, perch and burbot. The best fishing is early spring (March–April) and autumn (September–October). Check the fishing rules on the Environmental Board website before you go.