Russia: Adverse weather forecast across much of the Siberian Federal District through at least July 5

Severe weather is forecast across much of the Siberian Federal District through at least July 5. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are likely across the region; 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 2, the Russian Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring has issued the following high-temperature warnings across the affected area:

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

• Orange rain-flood warnings: Novosibirsk Oblast.

• Orange hail warnings: Central and southern Krasnoyarsk Kray, Kemerovo Oblast, and Republic of Khakassia.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Central and southern Krasnoyarsk Kray, Irkutsk Oblast, Republic of Khakassia, and Tuva Republic.

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

• Yellow rain-flood warnings: Altai Kray.

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

• Yellow hail warnings: Altai Kray and Irkutsk Oblast.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Altai Kray, Altai Republic, northern Krasnoyarsk Kray, and Omsk Oblast.

• Yellow fog warnings: Kemerovo Oblast, Omsk Oblast. and parts of northern Krasnoyarsk Kray.

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.