Ukraine's State Weather Service Issues Severe Weather Warning
The Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center has issued a weather alert for Monday, February 19, warning of hazardous conditions including snow, strong winds, and freezing rain across the country. A yellow-level meteorological danger warning has been declared for several regions, including the capital area. Yellow is the lowest of three alert levels, indicating conditions that require caution.
Heavy overnight snowfall is specifically forecast for the following oblasts:
- Kirovohrad Oblast
- Cherkasy Oblast
- Poltava Oblast
- Sumy Oblast
In southeastern and eastern Ukraine, rain is expected to transition into snow. Icy glaze, which can make travel treacherous, is predicted to form on roads across most of the country, except for the southeast and the Zakarpattia region. Overnight temperatures nationwide will range from -7 to -13 degrees Celsius (19 to 9 degrees Fahrenheit), with daytime highs between -3 and -9 degrees Celsius (27 to 16 degrees Fahrenheit). Zakarpattia and Crimea will see milder temperatures, from -3 to +2 degrees Celsius (27 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit).
Winds will be predominantly northwesterly and westerly, with speeds of 7-12 meters per second (16-27 mph). Gusts in southern and central regions overnight could reach 15-20 meters per second (34-45 mph). In Kyiv and the surrounding oblast, cloudy weather is expected with moderate snow at night and light snow during the day. The overnight low in the capital will be around -11 degrees Celsius (12 degrees Fahrenheit), and a yellow-level danger warning is in effect for the city.
The Hydrometeorological Center notes that these weather conditions may disrupt the operations of energy, construction, and utility services, as well as complicate road transport.
Public Safety Recommendations
Given the forecast, the yellow-level alert signifies a need for increased vigilance from drivers and pedestrians. Authorities advise avoiding non-essential travel, particularly in regions expecting heavy snow and ice accumulation. The deteriorating conditions could also strain critical infrastructure, underscoring the importance of preparedness for such winter weather events.