MINSK, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- Cyclone Axel is gaining strength in Belarus on Thursday, heavy snowfalls to be accompanied by frost and strong wind.
A sharp cold snap has reached Belarus on Thursday. It is snowing in most parts of the country.
Hundreds of snow removal vehicles are currently operating throughout Belarusian capital, Minsk. The country's meteorological service has issued an orange weather warning.
The roads are slippery, the wind is very strong. The maximum temperature is about -16°C.
Invasion of cold arctic air masses from the north of European Russia is expected on Friday. Forecasters expect more cold air. The air temperature during the day will be up to -20°C and to -23°C at night in the northern part of the country.
Over the weekend air temperature will drop to minus 24-28 degrees, in the north-west of Belarus at night the thermometer dropped to minus 28-32 degrees.
