Azerbaijan has been hit by unusually heavy rainfall: between 70 and 103 mm of rain fell in Baku and the Absheron Peninsula over the past 24 hours. According to forecasters, this is several times higher than the monthly average, reaching 523% in some places.

Meteorologists note that these precipitation amounts are the highest in recent decades. The previous maximum was recorded in May 1963, when 106 mm of rain fell in the capital – 5.4 times more than the climatic norm.

Due to the prolonged downpours, the State Agency for Water Resources of Azerbaijan has been put on high alert. Storm drains are being cleared and water is being pumped out in Baku, and emergency services are working non-stop.

According to the forecast, unstable weather conditions will persist in Baku and several regions of the country on May 18. Forecasters are warning of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and possible hail. Snow is expected in mountainous areas, with fog in some areas.