In Moscow, the forecast for Saturday, January 6, points to partly cloudy skies with some clear periods, accompanied by sporadic light snowfall. The overall trend is a noticeable chill, with temperatures expected to dip to around -17°C. This outlook comes from the official site of the Russian Hydrometeorological Center, which regularly monitors winter conditions and issues practical guidance for residents and visitors alike.
During the day, temperatures are anticipated to hold between -15°C and -17°C in the capital. As night falls, a colder punch is likely, with readings dropping to about -25°C on Sunday night, along with light snowfall and occasional icing that can create slick roads and sidewalks. Motorists and pedestrians should plan for slower travel and increased caution when venturing outdoors.
In the Moscow region, Saturday is expected to bring a similar deep chill, with temperatures ranging from -14°C to -19°C. By Sunday night, thermometers may fall further, potentially reaching as low as -28°C. Prolonged exposure in such conditions can pose health risks, making warm layers and frequent breaks in sheltered spaces important for staying safe.
Winds are forecast to shift directions across the period, blowing from the southeast at 2 to 7 meters per second during the day type and switching to a northwest orientation at 4 to 9 meters per second on Sunday night. Atmospheric pressure is projected to hover around 746 millimeters of mercury, a detail that meteorologists watch closely, as pressure changes can influence how the cold feels on the skin and the perceived wind chill.
Ahead of the cold spell, the Ministry of Emergencies of Russia issued advisories for Muscovites and visitors to the capital, emphasizing the unusual severity of the temperature drop around the Christmas period. The agency urged people to avoid using electrical appliances not designed for space heating, to prevent overloading local electrical networks, and to ensure that devices are never left unattended in order to reduce the risk of accidents or fires in cramped or improperly ventilated spaces.
These warnings come in the context of broader health considerations. Earlier, cardiologists highlighted an elevated risk of heart attacks and strokes during the winter months, underscoring the importance of managing stress, staying hydrated, and recognizing symptoms early. People with preexisting heart conditions are often advised to monitor the weather forecast closely, limit strenuous outdoor activity during peak cold, and seek shelter indoors during extreme cold snaps to protect cardiovascular health. [Source attribution: Russian Hydrometeorological Center and Ministry of Emergencies of Russia.]