Forecasts indicate that Moscow will see snowfall over the upcoming weekend as a low Atlantic pressure system approaches, a development reported by News.ru referencing Alexander Shuvalov, who leads the METEO Forecast Center. The pending snow event is expected to bring notable disruptions to daily travel, with drivers urged to anticipate reduced visibility as the weather turns wintry and traffic patterns adjust accordingly. Over the course of Saturday, temperatures are forecast to hover around one to three degrees below zero, while Sunday could see a sharper decline, dipping to minus eight degrees. Wind speeds are projected to remain steady in the range of two to four meters per second, contributing to the challenge of driving in snowy conditions.
In addition, Evgeny Tishkovets, a leading expert at the Phobos meteorological center, offered a detailed forecast for late November: he expects the snow cover in the capital to accumulate to about 5-7 centimeters during the weekend, with an additional 8-9 centimeters by early December’s first ten days—figures that align with seasonal norms for this period. He also noted that snowfall is likely to continue into the following week, which would push the total snow depth toward the 10-15 centimeter mark by Monday, creating a steadily deeper layer that drivers and pedestrians will need to navigate carefully. These projections highlight a gradual buildup rather than a single heavy storm, though conditions can shift with evolving atmospheric patterns, warranting ongoing monitoring by residents and authorities alike.
There has been a recent update to road maintenance protocols, reflecting a move toward standardized procedures for applying anti-icing materials (AGM) on suburban road networks. This policy, issued by Rosavtodor, replaces older guidelines that had fallen out of date. The new document specifies the timing for initiating the anti-icing and snow-removal process, including criteria for when the added snow mass should be cleared from road surfaces to maintain passability and safety for morning commutes and weekend travel. The intent is to ensure a more predictable and timely response to accumulating snow, reducing the risk of slippery conditions and improving overall traffic flow during winter weather events.
Industry commentary also touches on vehicle tire choices in cold, snowy conditions. A veteran automotive expert weighed in on the advantages and drawbacks of all-season tires, noting that while they provide reasonable performance across a broad range of temperatures, dedicated winter tires typically offer superior grip, particularly on icy surfaces and in scenarios involving rapid temperature swings. The discussion emphasized the importance of aligning tire selection with local winter realities, road conditions, and driving style to enhance safety and handling during the months when snow and ice become common.