As of February 1, the thickness of ice on most rivers and streams across Mongolia has shown a steady increase. However, ice levels remain 10 to 50 centimeters thinner compared to the same period in 2024 and the long-term average. Ice thickness also varies significantly along the entire length of the rivers.
Authorities have issued a strong advisory urging the public to exercise caution and avoid traveling over frozen rivers and streams. Despite the cold temperatures, the ice has not yet formed sufficient strength to safely support the weight of people, livestock, or vehicles. Residents are particularly warned against taking shortcuts or using frozen waterways as routes for transportation. The risk of accidents, including ice breakage, remains high due to the inconsistent and fragile ice conditions.
Officials emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety over convenience, reminding everyone that attempting to save time by crossing unstable ice could lead to dangerous and potentially life-threatening incidents. Emergency services stand ready to respond, but prevention remains the best course of action. Authorities urge the public to stay informed about weather and ice conditions and to follow official safety advisories to avoid unnecessary risks.
In addition, the National Agency for Meteorology and the Environmental Monitoring has issued a weather forecast until February 9, highlighting a significant drop in temperatures and the occurrence of snow and blizzards. Light snowfall is expected today in some parts of the western provinces, while tomorrow the Altai, Khangai, Khuvsgul, and Khentii mountainous areas, as well as the Khalkh River basin, will also experience light snow. On February 5, snow and blizzards will affect the northern regions of the western, central, and eastern provinces, followed by widespread snowfall and blizzards across most of the western and central provinces, as well as parts of the Gobi and eastern regions on February 6 and 7. By February 8, snow will primarily fall in the eastern half of the country, and isolated snowfall is expected on February 9.
Wind conditions will generally remain at five to 10 meters per second; however, stronger gusts reaching 16-18 meters per second may occur in the Gobi, steppe, and plain regions on February 5, spreading across most parts of the country the following day.
Temperatures will plummet significantly across the country, with the Uvs Lake Basin, Darkhad Valley, and the upper reaches of the Zavkhan, Ider, Tes, and Baidrag Rivers, as well as the Khalkh River basin, experiencing nighttime lows of minus 43 to 48 celsius and daytime highs of minus 30 to 35 celsius. Similarly, the Altai, Khangai, Khuvsgul, and Khentii mountainous regions, including the basins of major rivers such as the Eg, Uur, Kharaa, and Kherlen, will face nighttime temperatures between minus 37 to 42 celsius and daytime highs of minus 27 to 32 celsius. In the southern parts of the Gobi region, temperatures will range from minus 15 to 20 celsius at night and minus nine to minus 14 celsius during the day. Other areas will see nighttime lows of minus 28 to 33 celsius and daytime temperatures ranging between minus 15 to 20 celsius.
In Ulaanbaatar, light snow and blizzards are expected on February 5 and 6. Winds will generally blow at five to 10 meters per second, but gusts may increase to 12-14 meters per second, shifting from southwest to northwest. Early in the forecast period, temperatures will drop to minus 27 to 32 celsius at night in the Yarmag-Songino area, with other parts of the capital city experiencing minus 20 to 25 celsius at night and daytime temperatures of minus 11 to 16 celsius. However, starting February 5, temperatures will plunge further, with nighttime lows reaching minus 34 to 39 celsius in the Yarmag-Songino area and minus 29 to 34 celsius in other parts of the capital city, accompanied by daytime temperatures between minus 19 to 24 celsius.
