Moscow is projected to see a sharp uptick in snowfall and dimmer road conditions in the coming days as North Atlantic hurricane Olga sweeps closer, a forecast reported by the publication as a developing weather event.
Observers already noted a heavy fall of snow in the Russian capital on February 6, signaling the approach of Olga. This winter system is expected to blanket large parts of the city as it moves through the region, bringing a mix of snow and gusty winds that could disrupt normal urban activity.
According to Evgeny Tishkovets, the chief specialist at the Phobos meteorological center, Olga is anticipated to reach Moscow on February 7 and linger for at least a day. The forecast suggests significant snowfall during this period, with experts not ruling out the city receiving roughly a quarter of its typical monthly rainfall in a short span. These conditions could influence commute times, public transit schedules, and municipal operations. (Source: Weather Center Briefing)
Forecasters warn that visibility in Moscow could drop to around 500 meters under the impact of the storm, a level that would complicate driving and outdoor activities. Road safety agencies are likely to issue advisories as the weather tightens, and residents are urged to plan ahead for potential delays and detours. (Source: National Weather Service Translation)
Meteorologists also anticipate that the weather milestone set on February 7, 1995, in Moscow might be surpassed. The city historically recorded about 9.6 millimeters of precipitation on that date, and current projections point toward as much as 12 millimeters, translating to heavier snowfall and wetter conditions than usual for this time of year. (Source: Historical Weather Data Compendium)
In this context, residents should expect snowdrifts to grow by 7 to 10 centimeters, while wind speeds could reach up to 15 meters per second. Such conditions can affect pedestrian mobility, alter traffic flow, and necessitate additional caution for outdoor activities. Local authorities are likely to coordinate snow clearing and salt distribution to mitigate hazard potential. (Source: Municipal Weather Advisory)
Tishkovets also noted a drop in atmospheric pressure over Moscow, with readings anticipated to fall between 717 and 721 millimeters of mercury. The standard reference for comparison sits around 748 millimeters of mercury, highlighting the intensity of this weather system. The shift in pressure is a typical precursor to stronger storm dynamics and can influence wind patterns and precipitation behavior. (Source: Atmospheric Pressure Report)
Earlier warnings had already flagged a period of subfreezing temperatures for the Moscow region, with forecasts pointing to temperatures near 20 degrees during the upcoming cold snap. Residents are advised to prepare for frigid conditions, which can compound the challenges posed by snowfall and reduced visibility. (Source: Regional Weather Forecast)