Warmer temperatures have increased the risk of further avalanches in Tajikistan, where dozens of snow-slides have occurred to date.
Tajikistan’s Hydrometeorological Center (Hydromet) says that on February 18-19, the risk of avalanches remains high on key mountainous sections of the Dushanbe-Khujand-Chanak highway (km 62-74) due to rising temperatures in mountainous and foothill regions.
Hydromet warns that in unstable weather conditions and with sharp temperature fluctuations, even light precipitation can trigger avalanches.
Weather forecast by region
Khatlon province
· February 19-20: Intermittent rain expected in valleys; snowfall is expected in the mountains.
· Wind speed: moderate, 5-10 m/s.
· Temperature:
o Valleys: +1ºC to +6°C at night, +10ºC to +15°C during the day.
o Mountains: -2ºC to +3°C at night, +4ºC to +9°C during the day.
Sughd province
· February 19-20: Rain and snowfall are expected in mountainous areas.
· Wind speed: Strong, 12-17 m/s, with possible gusts up to 20 m/s on February 21.
· Temperature:
o Valleys: -1ºC to +4°C at night, +5ºC to +10°C during the day.
o Mountains: -5ºC to -10°C at night, -2ºC to +3°C during the day.
Districts subordinate to the center (RRP)
· Light precipitation in valleys (up to 0.5 mm); rain and snow are expected in mountainous areas.
· Wind speed: 5-10 m/s.
· Temperature:
o Valleys: 0ºC to +5°C at night, +9ºC to +14°C during the day.
o Mountains: -7ºC to -12°C at night, +2ºC to +7°C during the day.
Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO)
· February 19-20: Snowfall and precipitation are expected in some areas.
· Wind speed: 12-17 m/s in certain regions.
· Temperature:
o Western GBAO: -6ºC to -11°C at night, -2ºC to +3°C during the day.
o Eastern GBAO: -21ºC to -35°C at night, -6ºC to -11°C during the day.
No Precipitation expected nationwide from February 20-22
Due to unstable weather and high avalanche risk, drivers are advised to exercise extreme caution, avoid traveling in mountainous areas, and stay updated on weather conditions.