The forecast for Moscow this week points to a gradual rise in temperatures, with daytime readings hovering around plus two to plus six degrees Celsius. The latest bulletin from the national weather service notes that milder conditions are likely to persist through December 23, supported by observations from the Russian Hydrometeorological Center where the scientific director emphasized a transition toward a lighter, more forgiving winter pattern this year. This shift means residents may experience a milder spell that reduces the usual severity of typical December weather and hints at a slower buildup of frost in the coming days. The period is unlikely to bring heavy snowfall or major storms, and overall precipitation is expected to stay light, with rain or mixed showers being more probable than large snow events.
According to the forecaster, Moscow will see the first wave of ice melt this winter. By Monday, December 18, temperatures are projected to be about four to five degrees above the historical average for this time of year. On December 19, the anomaly could widen to five to six degrees, and by December 20 it may reach seven to eight degrees above normal. After December 23, a gradual cooling is anticipated, though sustained frost is not expected to return, which should help ease daily routines and outdoor activities. The period is not expected to bring heavy rain, but damp conditions and occasional drizzle may persist as the air mass shifts. These patterns align with broader seasonal signals observed in regional climate monitoring across central Russia, as cited by meteorological agencies. (TASS)
Vilfand noted that the snow cover will continue to decrease, exposing the ground beneath and creating a soft, slushy layer underfoot that will intermittently freeze as surface temperatures dip during the night. This dynamic can influence travel conditions, footwear choices, and daily outdoor plans for residents navigating icy patches or transient slush that forms after late-afternoon thaws. The ongoing melt will also affect urban drainage and street maintenance, prompting local authorities to monitor runoff and potential temporary disruptions to sidewalks and pedestrian zones. (TASS)
Earlier updates indicated that numerous regions across Russia are likely to experience unusual weather patterns this week, signaling broader climatic fluctuations that may affect travel logistics, energy demand, and outdoor activities. While Moscow looks set to avoid extreme cold and heavy precipitation, residents are advised to prepare for variable conditions, including rapid changes in temperature and the potential for exposed pavement after thawing periods. Local services may issue guidance on footwear, winter gear, and safe transit during these fluctuating conditions. (Interagency meteorological briefings)
During the same period, Mikhail Leus, a senior analyst at the Phobos meteorological center, commented that the city can expect a return to more typical winter weather as the weekend approaches. His assessment suggests a transition toward the standard seasonal pattern that residents anticipate, with temperatures stabilizing around historical norms and precipitation levels aligning with long-term climate expectations. Such projections reinforce the idea that Moscow will experience a conventional winter cadence in the near term, despite current anomalies. (Phobos Meteorological Center)
Health experts have also highlighted seasonal risks associated with winter conditions, including an elevated likelihood of heart-related events and strokes during the colder months. Public health advisories emphasize staying warm, managing stress, and maintaining a steady routine of physical activity indoors to offset the strain some bodies feel when temperatures fall and daylight shortens. While the present forecast emphasizes milder weather, it remains prudent for individuals with health concerns to monitor local advisories and seek timely medical guidance if unusual symptoms appear during rapid weather shifts. (Public Health Communications)