Precipitation levels in Baku and the Absheron Peninsula have reached 589 percent of the monthly norm as of 11:00 AM on May 18, following a period of intense weather conditions across Azerbaijan.
According to the National Hydrometeorological Service, which provided data to the Operative Information Center-OMM, intermittent rain and lightning were recorded throughout the country. While the rainfall ceased in the capital and the peninsula during the overnight hours of May 18, precipitation continued in several other regions. In Baku and the Absheron Peninsula, the total amount of rainfall recorded within a 24-hour period reached 116 mm, a figure significantly higher than the typical seasonal average.
The National Hydrometeorological Service detailed the precipitation levels across the Republic of Azerbaijan: Zaqatala recorded 38 mm, Saribash (Qakh) 36 mm, Gabala 26 mm, Neftchala 25 mm, Kishchay (Sheki) 24 mm, and Gobustan 22 mm. Other recorded levels included Shabran and Khizi at 15 mm, Oguz at 14 mm, Khaltan and Qusar at 12 mm, Dashkasan at 11 mm, and Quba at 9 mm. Snowfall was also reported in the high-altitude area of Shahdag, reaching 8 mm. Minimal precipitation of 1 mm was recorded in several other locations, including Nakhchivan, Kalbajar, Lachin, Qubadli, Shusha, Khankendi, and Fuzuli.
Such extreme weather events are closely monitored by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources to ensure public safety and infrastructure readiness. The National Hydrometeorological Service regularly provides updates to the Operative Information Center-OMM to keep the public informed about potential flooding or transportation disruptions caused by heavy rainfall. Historically, May in Azerbaijan sees moderate temperatures and light showers, making this nearly 600 percent increase an exceptional meteorological occurrence for the region.
