Caspian Sea waves reach 6 meters as strong winds batter Baku, Absheron Peninsula

Azerbaijan is experiencing severe weather conditions, with wave heights in the Caspian Sea reaching a staggering 5.8 meters, according to reports from the “Oil Rocks” weather station.

The National Hydrometeorological Service told Caliber.Az that the unstable weather will continue until February 10, impacting daily life across the country.

In Baku and the Absheron Peninsula, wind speeds have reached 30 meters per second, with strong northwest gusts causing disruptions. Snowfall has been particularly heavy in mountainous regions, with Lerik seeing the highest snow accumulation at 79 cm. Other areas also reported significant snowfall, including Yardimli (23 cm), Guba (19 cm), and Kalbajar (17 cm), with several cities in the region seeing smaller amounts, such as Shusha (12 cm) and Khankendi (4 cm).

The National Hydrometeorological Service's Head, Nazim Mahmudov, explained that short-term precipitation will continue in Baku and the Absheron Peninsula on February 8 and 9, with wet snow expected in some places. The intense winds will gradually weaken by the morning of February 9, bringing relief to the region.

In the mountainous and foothill areas, snow will persist, and Mahmudov also cautioned that icy conditions could develop in the mountains between February 8 and 10 due to the frosty weather. He added that on February 10, weather conditions would stabilize, with no precipitation expected and moderate westerly winds in the forecast. Maximum temperatures will range from 2 to 5 degrees Celsius in Baku and Absheron, and temperatures in mountainous areas could drop as low as -5°C.

The extreme weather has also disrupted transportation, particularly rail travel. Strong storm winds have affected the movement of both freight and passenger trains, with delays expected on routes including Baku-Agstafa, Baku-Gabala, and Baku-Balakan. Azerbaijan Railways CJSC has reduced the speed of trains, which may lead to minor schedule changes.

As the region braces for continued stormy conditions, authorities urge the public to take precautions against icy roads, strong winds, and heavy snowfall in affected areas.

By Tamilla Hasanova