Across southern Russia, the national weather service advises a switch from winter to summer tires after the early days of April, with a cautious threshold around April 5. For residents of Moscow, the timing shifts slightly later, with guidance to consider tire changes around April 10. This guidance comes as experts monitor changing temperatures and the risk of late-season cold snaps that can affect road safety and vehicle performance.
The practical rule remains clear: winter tires should be replaced with summer tires when nightly temperatures are unlikely to dip below five degrees Celsius for at least five consecutive days. This threshold helps ensure better traction and handling as daytime warmth softens winter compounds, while frost risk can still appear in the early morning hours.
Regional forecasters note that while the European part of Russia may trend warmer, pockets of cold air can reappear. For Muscovites, a late-season change by April 10 is prudent because cold conditions can relapse. Forecasters also warn that snowfall in the south could still be more intense than in the capital, underscoring the need to monitor daily forecasts closely.
Early April temperature patterns suggest a mix of ice, sleet, and rain, especially in major cities. Observers report that spring days may swing from chilly to mild, with daytime readings in Moscow around five to eleven degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures near zero to six degrees. This variability reinforces the idea that tire changes should accommodate both typical spring warmth and lingering winter remnants.
Experts consistently remind motorists that tire performance is closely tied to temperature. Winter tires, optimized for cold and slippery surfaces, can lose grip as road temperatures rise. Conversely, summer tires may not provide ideal traction on still-cold mornings if subfreezing conditions appear, though the probability of such lows declines as spring progresses. This balance encourages a cautious approach rather than a fixed calendar rule, taking into account local climate, recent weather, and daily forecasts.
Transportation authorities and meteorological agencies advocate an evidence-based process to time tire changes. Observers recommend checking nightly low temperatures in local areas and evaluating the overall weather pattern in the weeks around late March through early April. Aligning tire choices with actual conditions helps reduce the risk of sudden loss of grip on wet or icy patches and supports more stable handling during variable spring weather.
It is important to note that while broader regional trends may indicate warming, local fluctuations can bring abrupt weather events. The consensus among weather centers is to stay vigilant, verify updates from official sources, and consider a gradual transition rather than a rushed change. In regions with extreme seasonal shifts, drivers might also review vehicle maintenance basics such as brake performance, tire tread depth, and alignment before the switch to ensure safety during ongoing spring conditions.
Overall, the guidance reflects a careful balance between scientific temperature thresholds and real-world driving needs. By following the recommended timelines and staying informed about short-term forecasts, motorists across Russia can navigate the spring transition with greater confidence and safety, even as warmer days begin to dominate and late-season cold spells still threaten the roads.