Winter frosts in Kyrgyzstan are classified into three types: "Temir ayaz" (or "Iron Frost"), "Müyüz ayaz" (or "Horned Frost"), and "Kiyiz ayaz" (or "Felt Frost").
The "Temir ayaz" period lasts from January 8 to February 18 and spans forty days, characterized by particularly low temperatures.
The next stage, "Müyüz ayaz," covers February 19-27.
From February 28 to March 13, "Kiyiz ayaz" continues.
Additionally, during the same period from February 28 to March 13, it is believed that "Toksondogu chal" (Old Man Toksan) leaves winter.
In the Kochkor district, in the village of Kara-Suu, there lived a famous accountant, Esenbay Kudaayar uulu (1850–1941), who claimed that the period of "Kempir yylaak" ("Crying Old Woman") lasts from February 20 to 26. During this time, the old woman brings snowfalls, severe frosts, and cold. If a lot of snow falls during this period and the frosts recede, it was said: "The old woman has released her steam, spring will be warm and frost-free."
If the frosts do not leave in time, she allegedly warns: "Don't think that I have left, I will return in 40, or even 90 days." This means that snowfalls and frosts may return in April and May. In such cases, it was said: "The stubborn old woman couldn't release her steam on time, and now she has returned."
From February 26 to March 11, "Toksondogu chal" (Old Man Toksan) departs. During this period, the weather often changes: it can be warm, then snow or rain may come again. People described it this way: "Old Man Toksan groans and tosses from side to side." After March 11, winter finally departs, and spring begins.
Many folk accountants claim that "Toksan" lasts from December 13 to March 13, and with its end, "Kiyiz ayaz" also concludes.
From March 13 (or according to other sources — from March 18), the second period of "Toksan" begins, which lasts until June 13 (or 18). This stage is called "jaz childesi" (spring "child") or "baar" (real warmth).
March 22 marks the day of the spring equinox, and from March 23, the days become significantly longer. The holiday of Nowruz arrives, symbolizing spring and renewal. Thus, from March 13, it is considered that true spring has come.
