Intense cold pins Moscow region but a thaw is forecast later in the week
Residents in the capital region should brace for a sharp cold spell of 5 to 7 degrees below zero, with the mercury dropping on December 26 as wind shifts direction toward the northwest. The cold snap is expected to arrive steadily, shaping daily temperatures for several days. By the end of the week, forecasters say a noticeable thaw will set in, bringing warmer conditions and a slower pace to daily weather changes. The shift is tied to a change in wind patterns that will carry cooler air out of the north and then allow milder air to move in from the west.
During the transition, temperatures are projected to stay consistently low, with daytime readings stubbornly near the 0°C mark or a touch below. The forecast notes a clear pattern: the front that brings the initial chill will gradually ease as milder air starts to push in from the surrounding regions, reducing the intensity of cold spells and allowing nighttime temperatures to recover somewhat as the week progresses.
Looking ahead to the mid and late portion of the week, the Moscow region is expected to experience frost levels in the range of 1–3 degrees during daylight hours on several days. The more intense frost, reaching up to 5 degrees, is anticipated on a Sunday, followed by a continued cold bite of 5–10 degrees on Monday. These fluctuations highlight the classic late December transition where the environment alternates between sharp frosts and periods of weaker cold or thaw conditions as air masses interact.
Earlier forecasts from the regional weather service indicated the possibility of freezing rain and snow for parts of the capital on a specific day in the near term. Forecasters emphasize the need to monitor daily updates as precipitation types and accumulations can shift with evolving atmospheric conditions. Citizens are urged to prepare for slippery surfaces, reduced visibility in snow, and the potential for temporary disruptions in outdoor activities and travel. Attribution: Hydrometeorological Center of Russia and regional weather services provide ongoing updates on this evolving pattern.