Russia: Adverse weather forecast across central and southern regions through at least July 24

Severe weather is forecast across parts of central and southern Russia through at least July 24. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are likely across the Siberian and Ural federal districts; strong wind gusts, lightning, and hail may accompany storms. Heavy downpours may lead to flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds could cause property damage and power outages.

As of July 22, the Russian Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring has issued the following warnings across the affected area:

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Chelyabinsk Oblast, Kurgan Oblast, central and southern Krasnoyarsk Kray, Irkutsk Oblast, and Tuva Republic.

• Orange hail warnings: Chelyabinsk Oblast and Kurgan Oblast.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Chelyabinsk Oblast and Kurgan Oblast.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Tyumen Oblast, Altai Kray, Altai Republic, Kemerovo Oblast, Novosibirsk Oblast, Omsk Oblast, and Tomsk Oblast.

• Yellow rain-flood warnings: Irkutsk Oblast.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Kurgan Oblast, Sverdlovsk Oblast, Tyumen Oblast, Altai Kray, Altai Republic, central, north-central, and southern Krasnoyarsk Kray, Irkutsk Oblast, Kemerovo Oblast, Novosibirsk Oblast, Omsk Oblast, Republic of Khakassia, Tomsk Oblast, and Tuva Republic.

• Yellow hail warnings: Central and southern Krasnoyarsk Kray, Omsk Oblast, and Republic of Khakassia.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Sverdlovsk Oblast, Tyumen Oblast, Krasnoyarsk Kray, Irkutsk Oblast, Omsk Oblast, Republic of Khakassia, and Tuva Republic.

• Yellow fog warnings: Altai Kray, Altai Republic, eastern and far northern Krasnoyarsk Kray, Kemerovo Oblast, Novosibirsk Oblast, Omsk Oblast, Republic of Khakassia, Tomsk Oblast, and Tuva Republic.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

The severe weather could contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at airports in affected areas.