At least 13 people lost their lives due to hypothermia in Mongolia in January, as extreme cold weather swept across the country, with authorities linking many of the deaths to alcohol consumption.

At least 13 people died from hypothermia in Mongolia in January 2026, according to a statement by the country’s National Prosecutor’s Office (NPA).

Authorities said that alcohol consumption was the primary contributing factor in many of the cases, noting that nearly half of the victims had consumed alcohol before being exposed to freezing temperatures. Officials warned that alcohol significantly increases the risk of hypothermia by impairing judgment and reducing the body’s ability to retain heat.

From mid-January onward, a powerful cold air mass originating from Russia’s Siberian region affected large parts of Mongolia, causing widespread frost and a sharp drop in temperatures across the country.

According to Mongolia’s weather monitoring agency, nighttime temperatures fell to as low as minus 45.2 degrees Celsius on January 21 in the Eruu district of Selenge province, located in northern Mongolia.

Mongolia is known for its long, harsh winters, with prolonged periods of extreme cold posing serious risks, particularly for vulnerable populations and individuals exposed to the elements.

Authorities continue to urge the public to take precautions during severe winter conditions and to avoid alcohol consumption when facing extreme cold.(ILKHA)