Tajikistan is set to experience a significant drop in temperatures, precipitation, and increased avalanche risk in the coming days, according to the country’s Agency for Hydrometeorology (Hydromet).
The agency reports that on January 16–17, air temperatures in most valley and foothill areas will fall by 8–10 degrees Celsius.
On January 16, precipitation is expected in valley and foothill regions, mainly in the form of rain, with rain turning into wet snow by evening. In mountainous and high-altitude areas, snowfall will prevail.
On January 17, snowfall is forecast across most regions of the country, with heavy precipitation expected in some areas.
The Hydromet has also issued a warning about precipitation on January 16 along the Dushanbe–Chanak highway, particularly on the 51–74 km and 80–81 km sections. In addition, snow avalanches are expected in the avalanche-prone areas of Maikhoura and Zideh in the Varzob district.
Meanwhile, forecasters do not rule out the possibility of abnormally cold weather toward the end of winter and in early spring.
Despite the upcoming cold spell, this winter has generally been unusually warm for Tajikistan, with average temperatures in most regions exceeding the climatic norm by 1–2 degrees Celsius.
