Residents of Ufa and Bashkiria are bracing for one of the coldest weeks this winter, as temperatures plunge significantly across the region. According to the Bashkir Hydrometeorological Center, nighttime temperatures plummeted as low as -35.2°C, recorded at the automated weather station in the Burzyan district.
This severe cold snap marks the first of its kind for the season, sending frigid air through the area as the mercury dipped to between -21°C and -29°C across most districts. The mountainous and southern areas of the Republic experienced some of the harshest conditions, with temperatures reaching -30°C to -35°C.
Nights have been extremely chilly, with Ufa seeing marked variations across monitoring stations. The lowest temperature recorded at Ufa-GMC on Rozhdevenka Street was -18.3°C, but at other stations, such as Ufa-Dema, the thermometer showed -24.7°C, and Ufa Airport recorded -25.3°C.
On the daytime of February 21, the weather is expected to remain predominantly clear with no significant precipitation forecasted. Northeastern winds will blow at 3-8 meters per second, and daytime temperatures are anticipated to reach between -10°C and -12°C, with nighttime dropping to -19°C to -21°C. These conditions are consistent with the harsh winter weather the region has been experiencing due to atmospheric pressure changes.
Looking closely at the current weather conditions, Friday morning will begin with temperatures hovering at about -24°C to -25°C, climbing only slightly during the day to potentially hit -10°C before dipping again at night.
Bashkiria has also seen complications beyond the weather, with occasional water supply disruptions being reported due to leaks. Residents faced outages as crews responded to these issues, though no planned shutdowns of water services have been noted.
Throughout February, the region faced environmental challenges as well. Reports indicated 43 confirmed violations and 122 suspected violations of environmental legislation, including improper waste placement and unlicensed extraction activities.
Aside from these environmental concerns, news circulated about tensions involving migrant workers from Tajikistan, illustrating socioeconomic pressures magnified by the harsh weather. Following allegations of conflict at local establishments, authorities noted resistance from the migrants when law enforcement arrived.
Despite these challenges, the upcoming spring appears promising for the Bashkiria region, with expectations for several extended weekends scheduled for residents.
Meanwhile, the public is reminded to stay warm and safe as they navigate the cold predictions for the foreseeable future.