Väike Emajõgi weather today
Town of Tõrva — upper course, Mulgi cultural region
5-day forecast
River data
- Length
- 107 km
- Drainage basin
- 2300 km²
- Source
- Near the Latvian border, Valga County
- Mouth
- Võrtsjärv (near Rannu-Jõesuu on the southern shore)
The Väike Emajõgi is a 107 km north-flowing river that rises in Valga County on the Latvian border and empties into the southern part of Lake Võrtsjärv. The river crosses the heart of Mulgimaa — historically the region of Estonia's most prosperous peasantry — which has the highest density of manors and churches in southern Estonia. Tõrva is the river's largest town, where the river turns east before entering Võrtsjärv.
- Measurement point: 58,004° N, 25,921° E
History & culture
More than twenty historic manor complexes lie in the catchment of the Väike Emajõgi, the oldest dating from the 13th century — the land along the river was under the control of the Livonian Order and later the Swedish Crown nobility. The 19th-century economic success of the Mulgi peasants stemmed in part from the fertility of the riverside farmland and the development of craft traditions. The town of Tõrva was founded in 1926 and is the administrative centre of the southern part of Viljandi County.
Seasonal changes
The Väike Emajõgi has its spring high water in April, when the flood raises the water level of the southern part of Võrtsjärv; autumn low water arrives in October–November, and the river typically freezes over in January.
Local climate
| Month | Avg °C | Avg high °C | Avg low °C | Precip mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -4.2 | -2.2 | -6.5 | 47.0 |
| Feb | -4.7 | -2.3 | -7.2 | 45.6 |
| Mar | -0.9 | 2.5 | -4.2 | 39.2 |
| Apr | 5.7 | 10.1 | 1.3 | 42.3 |
| May | 11.4 | 15.7 | 6.6 | 58.1 |
| Jun | 15.9 | 19.8 | 11.4 | 86.6 |
| Jul | 18.2 | 21.9 | 14.1 | 77.7 |
| Aug | 17.1 | 20.7 | 13.3 | 86.6 |
| Sep | 12.3 | 15.6 | 9.2 | 55.7 |
| Oct | 6.5 | 9.0 | 4.1 | 66.4 |
| Nov | 1.7 | 3.4 | -0.1 | 58.5 |
| Dec | -2.4 | -0.6 | -4.4 | 47.4 |
Frequently asked questions
When does the high water arrive?
The Väike Emajõgi has its spring high water in April, when the flood raises the water level of the southern part of Võrtsjärv; autumn low water arrives in October–November, and the river typically freezes over in January.
When does Väike Emajõgi freeze?
Väike Emajõgi usually freezes in January, when the area's average January air temperature drops to -4.2°C. The ice typically lasts until March, when the spring thaw begins.
Is Väike Emajõgi suitable for canoeing?
Väike Emajõgi 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 Väike Emajõgi begin and end?
Väike Emajõgi begins Near the Latvian border, Valga County and flows into Võrtsjärv (near Rannu-Jõesuu on the southern shore).
How long is Väike Emajõgi?
The river is 107 km long.
Is Väike Emajõgi good for fishing?
Väike Emajõgi 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.