Forty-year long snow depth record broken in Armenia

YEREVAN, March 21. /ARKA/. The 2022 March in Armenia is marked by extremely low temperatures and unusually heavy snowfalls.

According to the Center for Hydrometeorology and Monitoring of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the average daily temperatures across the country over the last 8 days have been 6-8 degrees below normal.

The record amount of snow blamed on a powerful cyclone was recorded in some areas over the past three days. On Monday, the amount of precipitation, with the exception of the Ararat Valley, in most of the country is 150-200% of the norm, in some areas - 210-230%.

In particular, in some areas of Tavush, Lori and Syunik provinces, the snow cover has grown by 60-40 cm in three days, and in some settlements it is 100 cm and more.

Due to a strong snowstorm observed the day before in most of the country, some roads have become impassable. Drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel.

“There have not been such intense and prolonged heavy snowfalls in March in our country over the past 40 years,” the Center says.

It said the impact of the cyclone will be felt on March 21-25 throughout the country, but compared to March 20, it will significantly weaken.

In the next 5 days, snowfalls will periodically continue in some areas, a snowstorm and low horizontal visibility are expected in the mountainous areas.

The air temperature will not rise significantly until Friday and will remain 5-8 degrees below normal. -0-