ULAN BATOR, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia's National Agency for Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring has issued a severe weather warning for the western regions of the country, forecasting strong winds and blizzards to begin on Tuesday.
The agency has specifically highlighted the provinces of Bayan-Ulgii and Khovd, where wind speeds are expected to exceed 24 meters per second. These powerful winds, coupled with heavy snow, are anticipated to significantly reduce visibility on the roads, creating hazardous conditions for travelers.
The agency warned that blizzards could disrupt transportation networks and make travel in the affected regions highly dangerous.
The unstable weather is expected to continue over the next few days, with conditions potentially worsening as the storms progress.
Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution, especially nomadic herders and drivers. Herders, who rely on moving livestock across vast, remote landscapes, are advised to closely monitor weather forecasts and prepare for rapid changes in conditions. Drivers in the affected areas are being strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm's peak intensity.
Mongolia, known for its harsh continental climate, regularly experiences extreme weather patterns throughout the year. The Asian country, one of the last remaining nomadic societies in the world, is especially vulnerable to sudden and severe weather events. In addition to its already cold temperatures, Mongolia often faces erratic weather that can have devastating consequences on both its human and animal populations.
In a recent example of such risks, over 10 people, mostly nomadic herders, tragically lost their lives in the central province of Tuv and the eastern province of Sukhbaatar due to heavy snow and blizzards in November 2023. ■