BUCHAREST, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Romania is facing a new wave of severe winter weather as a Siberian air mass moves across the country, bringing heavy snowfall, frigid temperatures and strong winds, the National Meteorological Administration (ANM) said on Friday.
The ANM issued a weather advisory in effect from the evening of Jan. 15 through the morning of Jan. 20, warning of severe frost, mixed precipitation, ice formation and gusty winds across most regions.
Meteorologists said temperatures will drop sharply, especially at night and in the early morning. Minimum temperatures are expected to range from minus 16 to minus 8 degrees Celsius in much of the country.
Snowfall is expected across most regions, while parts of western Romania may see rain or mixed precipitation. In Bucharest, snow accumulation could reach up to 30 cm by the end of January, according to forecasts.
Winds are expected to strengthen, with gusts of 40-50 km/h, further aggravating conditions.
ANM head Elena Mateescu said the severe winter episode could extend beyond the current advisory, with frigid conditions likely to persist until around Jan. 25. ■