Forecast for the Kuril Islands Covers Winds, Snow, and Volcanic Activity
Forecasts published for late February anticipate hurricane-force winds reaching up to 40 meters per second around the Kuril Islands on February 28 and 29. These projections come from the Windy.com portal, which offers a global weather overview with a focus on rapid updates during severe conditions.
The strongest winds are expected to hit the small eastern Islets such as Rasshua and Matua, where the gusts will be most intense. In contrast, the larger landmasses like Urup and Iturup will experience somewhat milder speeds, with wind velocities topping out around 30 meters per second along sea-facing ridges. Alongside the wind, snowfall is anticipated to press into the region, with daytime temperatures hovering between -1 and -5 degrees Celsius. Forecasters indicate that the stormy conditions will pause around March 1 before resuming on March 2, signaling a brief lull followed by renewed activity.
In the midst of the atmospheric phenomena, the Ebeko volcano in the Kuril Islands produced a significant ash plume. According to data from the Institute of Geology and Geology of the Far East Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, rapid-response information confirms ash emissions rising to an altitude of about 3.5 kilometers above the volcano. The Ministry of Emergencies also issued a statement to reflect the event, noting that the smoke from the explosion extended more than 5 kilometers toward the southeast, carrying ash and steam into the surrounding airspace.
The sequence of events underscores the dynamic interplay between weather systems and volcanic activity in the region. Residents and visitors are advised to monitor official channels for ongoing updates on wind conditions, snowfall, and ash dispersion. Preparedness measures include securing loose items, planning shelter options during peak wind moments, and respecting any aviation advisories issued by local authorities or meteorological agencies.
Beyond the meteorological and volcanic activity, the Kuril Islands have a history of wildlife interactions that occasionally intersect with human activity. In a recent incident, a bear on the Kuril Islands was reported to have taken a bowl of soup from a tourist camp. This anecdote reflects the broader reality of wildlife encounters in remote, high-visibility environments where human presence overlaps with natural habitats. Authorities typically remind visitors to store food securely and maintain a respectful distance from wildlife to minimize risks for both people and animals.