A forecast brief from Alexander Shuvalov, who leads the Meteorological Forecast Center, signals a notable cold spell for Russia’s major capitals. The outlook shows subzero conditions taking hold in St. Petersburg and Moscow, with the weekend expected to bring noticeably brisk weather across both cities. The briefing highlights a steady surge of cold air that will settle in as the weekend unfolds, a trend echoed by the national weather service bulletin.
Over the weekend, nighttime temperatures are forecast to dip to minus eight degrees Celsius, while daytime readings are likely to hover around minus two to minus four degrees. These figures point to a sustained period of chill, prompting residents to bundle up and adjust outdoor plans accordingly. The cadence of cold weather will shape daily routines, from commute conditions to the care needed for vehicles and pets, and the implications for energy use in homes and public spaces.
Commenting further, Shuvalov cautioned that precipitation over the weekend would not be heavy, describing it as a mild disappointment for anyone hoping for substantial snowfall. This nuance matters for planners and residents, as lighter snowfall affects road traction, sidewalk maintenance, and school or work schedules differently than heavy snow would. The consensus remains that the weekend will be cold in both St. Petersburg and Moscow, but the expected snowfall is unlikely to be substantial enough to dramatically alter the immediate risk profile.
Looking ahead, the meteorologist noted that if snowfall occurs midweek, ground coverage would likely stay light, with snow depths not exceeding a few centimeters. The forecast also points to a more noticeable snow event next week, though this is described as only the opening phase of a broader warming trend. The possibility of another round of warmth toward the end of November cannot be ruled out for either city, a scenario that could complicate livestock and agricultural planning, as well as energy demand and heating strategies for residents and businesses.
This forecast aligns with a broader winter outlook from the Center for Hydrometeorology, which emphasizes pronounced temperature fluctuations in the coming months. The overarching projection suggests a milder-than-average winter on balance, yet with sharp swings that can produce abrupt cold spells. In the Canadian and American context, such patterns translate into caution for travelers, freight operations, and public health advisories focused on vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with chronic conditions. The general trend points to temperature volatility rather than uniform freezing, making preparedness a practical priority for communities across North America.
Earlier in November, Moscow recorded a temperature above the long-term average by a wide margin, indicating unusual warmth at the time. This regional anomaly underscores the broader variability in winter climate patterns that observers are monitoring closely. It also provides context for readers in North America who are watching discussions about shifting winter norms, energy consumption, and the need for resilient infrastructure to withstand rapid weather changes. The current projections thus serve not only to inform residents about the immediate weekend conditions but also to frame a longer-term mindset about how climate variability may influence daily life in large urban centers. (Center for Hydrometeorology)