Dec. 23, 2016 — If you think winters in France are harsh and bleak, take a look at Central Asia instead! According to weather forecasts, temperatures in Mongolie are expected to plummet to -50°C starting next week...

Cold conditions are predicted to intensify across the country, particularly in eastern Mongolie. According to local authorities, conditions have already become more severe in 110 sums (districts) across 13 provinces throughout the nation.

For example, residents in the provinces of Khovd, Khuvsgul, Uvs, and Zavkhan have been hit with heavy snowfall, with accumulations reaching as much as 90 cm in some areas.

Herders have also been warned to prepare for the possible arrival of a dzud, a term describing a particularly severe and snow-laden winter that frequently occurs in Mongolie. Such conditions make life extremely difficult not only for people but, more importantly, for livestock, which are often decimated by the cold and ice.