Winter in Uzbekistan: Season of contrasts

The winter season of 2024-2025 in Uzbekistan showcased alternating warm and cold waves, according to a report from Uzhydromet. December stood out as the coldest month, with temperatures averaging 1-2.5 degrees Celsius below normal, while the northern and desert areas hovered around the norm.

Contrary to tradition, January did not claim the title of the coldest month this winter. Most regions experienced milder conditions compared to December, with average temperatures being 0.5-1 degrees higher than historical averages, and up to 2-3 degrees warmer in the north. February's temperatures were closer to the climatic norm, though the Fergana Valley experienced 1.5-2 degrees above-average warmth.

The harshest frosts hit most regions in December, while the northern areas continued to experience severe cold in February. On the coldest days, temperatures dropped to -8°C to -13°C, and in Karakalpakstan and northern Navoi, the mercury plunged to -15°C to -18°C. The southern regions, meanwhile, experienced lows of -3°C to -8°C.

During periods of warmer weather, daytime temperatures rose significantly. Some days in February's third decade reached 18°C to 21°C, with southern areas peaking at 23°C to 24°C.

A distinctive feature of this past winter was its lack of precipitation. Most of Uzbekistan recorded precipitation levels at just 40-70% of the norm, while the Fergana Valley saw 40% below average. Interestingly, in arid regions with already low precipitation norms, seasonal precipitation levels were closer to the average.

The season's precipitation primarily fell as rain, occasionally turning to snow on certain days. The scarcity of snowfall impacted mountain regions, resulting in snow coverage reaching only 40-60% of the norm by the end of the winter.