Record precipitation and unstable weather conditions in Azerbaijan
Unstable weather conditions in Azerbaijan continue to intensify, with intensive and heavy rain affecting various parts of the country and significant snowfall recorded in mountainous areas.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that according to the official data from the National Hydrometeorological Service as of 9:00 AM on April 6, the weather situation remains volatile across the republic.
Snow depth in the mountainous regions has reached notable levels. Currently, a snow cover of 124 cm has been recorded in Shahdag, followed by 34 cm in Griz, 22 cm in Khinalig, and 3 cm in Qusar.
In the capital Baku and the Absheron Peninsula, the amount of precipitation recorded between April 5 and 6 reached 90 mm. This figure represents 390% of the monthly norm, marking a significant hydrological event for the region.
Regional precipitation statistics
Precipitation across the regions of Azerbaijan has been most intense in the northern zones. The highest rainfall levels were recorded in the following areas:
- Khachmaz: 94 mm (311% of the monthly norm)
- Guba: 83 mm (174% of the monthly norm)
- Khaltan: 74 mm (109% of the monthly norm)
- Khizi: 69 mm (95% of the monthly norm)
- Qusar: 69 mm (144% of the monthly norm)
- Shabran: 63 mm (209% of the monthly norm)
In other regions, the figures are as follows: 23 mm in Gadabay, 22 mm in Sheki (Kishchay) and Qakh (Saribash), 19 mm in Dashkasan, 18 mm in Oguz, 17 mm in Shamkir, 16 mm in Zagatala, 13 mm in Balakan and Gabala, 12 mm in Gobustan, 10 mm in Lerik and Shamakhi, and 8 mm in Ismayilli, Neftchala, and Goranboy.
Lower precipitation levels were observed in Barda (7 mm); Mingachevir, Yevlakh, Aghdam, and Naftalan (6 mm); Shahbuz, Agstafa, Bilasuvar, Astara, and Tovuz (4 mm); and Yardimli (3 mm). Minimum rainfall of 1 mm was recorded in Imishli, Beylagan, Kurdamir, Sabirabad, Salyan, Sharur, Ordubad, Sadarak, Nakhchivan, Füzuli, Kalbajar, Khankendi, Khojaly, Lachin, Qubadli, and Shusha.
Wind speeds and safety warnings
Alongside the heavy precipitation, north-westerly winds are exacerbating the harsh weather conditions. The maximum wind speed has reached 24 m/s in Baku and the Absheron Peninsula, 20 m/s in Shabran, and up to 18 m/s in Ganja and Dashkasan.
Azerbaijan's diverse topography, ranging from the Greater Caucasus mountains to the low-lying Kur-Araz lowland, often results in sharp climatic contrasts. The National Hydrometeorological Service regularly monitors these patterns to provide early warnings for agriculture and infrastructure safety. Such high deviations from monthly norms in April are typically associated with active cyclonic fronts moving across the Caspian basin, which can lead to increased water levels in mountain rivers and potential localized flooding.
