Фото: Reform.by
On Monday, glaze ice will persist in some areas of Belarusian roads, and overnight temperatures may drop to –25°C in clear spells. Meteorologists have issued a yellow danger level.
On 12 January, the country will come under the influence of a cold air mass of Arctic origin. Cloudy weather with clear spells is expected; light snow will fall in many areas, and at times more intense in the northeast. Fog is possible in some places at night and in the morning.
The lowest temperatures are forecast in central and eastern regions — down to –23…–25°C in clear spells. In the southwest, it will be somewhat warmer — down to –12…–15°C. During the day, temperatures will rise no higher than –9…–15°C.
The Interior Ministry notes that such weather conditions create increased risks for both drivers and pedestrians. During such periods, the number of calls related to technical malfunctions of vehicles rises sharply — from discharged batteries to frozen locks and windows.
Drivers are advised to prepare for trips in advance: check the technical condition of vehicles, avoid sharp manoeuvres, increase following distance and choose a speed appropriate for road conditions. Pedestrians are urged to be especially careful at crossings, even regulated ones.
Winter tyres must have sufficient tread depth, and the washer reservoir should be filled with antifreeze fluid, the ministry noted. Before travelling, it is important to clear the car of snow and ice and have a brush with a scraper, a shovel, a tow rope and jump leads in the vehicle.
In severe frost, it is recommended to increase engine warm-up time and start driving slowly, without sudden increases in RPM. On the road, it is important to choose a safe speed for the conditions, increase distance and lateral spacing, and avoid skidding by accelerating and slowing down smoothly.