Forecasts reveal a run of intense cold for the Moscow region, beginning Friday and extending through the weekend. The notice came from Roman Vilfand, the scientific director at the Center for Hydrometeorology, via Interfax. The cold snap is expected to grip the area with persistent low readings and minimal daytime warmth, highlighting a period of notable winter severity.
During the day, temperatures are not anticipated to climb above minus 14 degrees Celsius. By night, thermometers may drop further to around minus 24 degrees. These projections set the stage for a record-setting stretch of frigid weather as the region endures this deep freeze.
Vilfand cautioned that the temperature would plunge sharply starting on Thursday, signaling an abrupt shift from milder conditions to more extreme chill. The guidance suggests that Thursday night could see a drop to between minus 10 and minus 13 degrees, with the regional forecast indicating it could reach as low as minus 20 degrees in some neighborhoods. Daytime temperatures are expected to hover around minus 10 degrees, underscoring a rigid, biting cold that will require strong precautions for outdoor activities.
The center’s head forecaster noted that while the capital area may escape some of the most extreme pressure, it will still be in the grip of the cold front. On Friday and Saturday nights, readings are forecast to dip to minus 24 degrees, a level that surpasses the typical norms for early February and demands careful planning for travel, work, and outdoor tasks. Residents are advised to bundle up and limit exposure to the elements during the coldest hours.
In the broader forecast, this spell of severe cold is expected to arrive just as the region transitions into the core of winter. Professionals emphasize the importance of staying warm, protecting plumbing from freezing, and watching for signs of frostbite or hypothermia in vulnerable individuals. The weather situation underscores the value of checking local alerts and preparing essential supplies in advance, including adequate heating fuel and emergency kits for households and automobiles.
Officials reiterate that while the cold will be intense, it is a familiar winter pattern for this latitude. The message remains clear: plan ahead, dress in layers, and maintain situational awareness for any shifting conditions, especially during the overnight hours when temperatures are at their most extreme. With proper precautions, residents can navigate the cold safely while continuing essential daily activities.
The prior forecast noted a pleasant start to Friday before the cold intensified, carving out a dramatic contrast in a short timeframe. Weather watchers will be monitoring the Arctic front and its trajectory, ready to provide timely updates as conditions evolve. During such events, the public is urged to rely on official forecasts and avoid unnecessary exposure outside when the wind chill intensifies.