Information about the intense precipitation recorded in Tbilisi on July 20-21
Hydrometeorology
From the night of July 20, 2026 until the morning of July 21, heavy rainfall of the category of hazardous meteorological events was observed in most areas of Tbilisi, as a result of which, in some districts of the city, streets were flooded and urban infrastructure was temporarily overloaded.
According to the meteorological observations of the National Environmental Agency, the highest precipitation rate was observed in the area adjacent to Building I of Tbilisi State University, where 110 mm of precipitation fell within approximately 8 hours, which is a record figure for the month of July in Tbilisi. In addition, more than half of this amount, 54.5 mm, was recorded in 1 hour (20.07.23:00-21.07.00:00), which exceeds the climatic norm for Tbilisi for the month of July by 30%.
According to the data of the meteorological stations of the agency, the amount of precipitation at the Tabakhmela station was 25.07 mm, at the Vashlijvari station 55.8 mm, at the Bagebi station - 75.2 mm, at the Sukhumi University station - 69.1 mm, at the Mukhattskaro station - 87.3 mm, at the Mtskheta station - 1.5 mm, and at the station located on Agmashenebeli Avenue - 95.1 mm.
According to the above data, the precipitation was unevenly distributed throughout the city, which is a characteristic feature of convective processes. Particularly large amounts of precipitation were recorded in certain areas of the western and central parts of Tbilisi.
During the day, strong instability of the atmosphere was created against the background of significant heating of the surface air, high moisture content in the lower layers of the atmosphere and the intrusion of relatively cold air into the upper layers. Under such conditions, powerful convective clouds developed rapidly, causing intense rain in a small area in a short period of time.
During such events, it is typical for the bulk of the precipitation to fall within a few hours. In this case, within approximately 7-8 hours, 1.5 times the monthly norm of precipitation fell within the capital, and 2.5 times in individual districts. It is precisely such a high intensity of precipitation that is one of the main reasons for flash floods, street flooding, and overloading of urban infrastructure.
It is worth noting that under climate change conditions, not only the frequency of extreme precipitation is increasing, but also their intensity. Accordingly, cases are becoming more frequent when a large amount of precipitation falls in a short period of time, which increases the risk of flash floods and other hydrometeorological events.
The National Environmental Agency continues to monitor hydrometeorological conditions and promptly informs the public about expected hazardous events.
