Snow has fallen in the mountainous regions of Azerbaijan as weather conditions across the country took a sharp turn. According to the National Hydrometeorological Service, as of 10:00 AM on March 18, the snow depth reached 7 cm in Shahdag and 1 cm in Griz, Operative Information Center-OMM reports.
The amount of precipitation varied significantly across the Republic. The highest rainfall was recorded in Shabran (8 mm) and Gabala (7 mm). Other notable measurements included 6 mm in Zagatala and Saribash (Gakh), 4 mm in Gobustan and Balakan, and 2 mm in Astara and Khaltan. In Baku, the Absheron Peninsula, and several other districts including Guba, Gusar, Ismayilli, Shamakhi, Sheki, Oguz, Yevlax, Goychay, Kurdamir, Sabirabad, Naftalan, Yardimli, Bilasuvar, and Lankaran, precipitation levels remained below 1 mm.
Wind speeds also intensified across the country on March 17. North-westerly winds reached maximum speeds of 18 m/s in Naftalan, 17 m/s in Kalbajar, and up to 15 m/s in Baku and the Absheron Peninsula. Currently, heavy fog is affecting Ganja, Naftalan, Shamkir, Saribash (Gakh), Zagatala, Sheki, Shamakhi, Griz, and Lerik, reducing visibility to approximately 500 meters.
Such sharp changes in weather are characteristic of the transitional spring period in Azerbaijan, where mountainous terrain often experiences late-season snowfall while lowland areas face increased rainfall and wind. The National Hydrometeorological Service continues to monitor the situation, advising residents and drivers in affected regions to exercise caution due to limited visibility and slippery road conditions in high-altitude areas.
