Heavy snowfall in capital Nur-Sultan ties 1964 record, Kazakhstan

Heavy snowfall and blizzard in Kazakhstan's capital city Nur-Sultan in January 2020 equaled the weather record in 1964, according to Kazgidromet Alua Sakhanova, the chief of the department of short-term forecasts on January 29. The statement comes just a couple of days after authorities declared a state of emergency in the city due to the potent winter storm.

"January 2020 differed with its heavy snow, blizzard, winds and high temperature. It was 6 °C (10.8 °F) higher than the norm," Sakhanova said, adding that the norm is -14 °C (-25.2 °F).

The snow was 5.5 cm (2.2 inches) thick today, while the norm is 1.6 cm (0.6 inches). "This is a three-month norm."

Such a heavy snowfall was last seen 56 years ago in 1964, at 5.1 cm (2 inches), compared to the longstanding data.

Sakhanova also stated that according to the consultative forecast for February, the average temperature and volume of snow are expected to remain at normal levels.

At Nur-Sultan, the height of snow already reached 37 cm (14.6 inches). The snow was so intense in the area that officials declared a state of emergency on January 27.

Due to cold and icy conditions, several flights were postponed, schools suspended classes, and roads were cut off. Moreover, hundreds of cars were also trapped on the road when snow collapsed.

On the same date, deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Roman Sklyar held a meeting regarding the emergency situation on major roads. To date, rescuers have saved 750 people on the highways. 47 people have also been evacuated.

On the other hand, the interior minister said 1 644 people and 1 159 pieces of equipment were deployed in emergency rescue operations.

Featured image credit: World 24//YouTube