Forecasts for Moscow and the Moscow Region: January Weather Patterns Ahead
TheScientific Director of the Russian Hydrometeorological Center, Roman Vilfand, indicated that January in Moscow and the surrounding region is likely to show temperatures near normal, yet the overall weather will be highly variable. This forecast points to a January marked by frequent shifts between cold snaps and warmer spells.
According to Vilfand, January is expected to feature both frost and thaw periods, with these fluctuations occurring more often than the historical average. The climate outlook suggests a push and pull between freezing nights and milder daytime temperatures, creating a dynamic winter profile for the capital and its outskirts.
Vilfand cautioned that the occurrence of entirely typical weather is unlikely. He estimated that the chances of a conventional, steady winter pattern are above seventy percent but not definitive, underscoring the probabilistic nature of short-term meteorology.
The Hydrometeorological Center’s chief also noted that an accurate forecast for New Year holidays remains unattainable at present. Experts can provide reliable predictions only up to two weeks in advance, with confidence growing as the date approaches and model consensus strengthens.
Earlier reports from Hydrometeorology Center briefings described Moscow’s weather for Saturday, November 18 as dry with light cloud cover. These snapshots help ground the ongoing seasonal narrative, even as day-to-day conditions can diverge from expectations.
In recent commentary, Evgeny Tishkovets, a leading expert at the Phobos meteorological center, remarked that meteorological winter has landed in Moscow. Although the season began about four days later than usual, his colleague Mikhail Leus of Phobos Weather Center warned residents to prepare for not only cold spells but also real frosts that can persist for longer stretches.
Early morning temperatures in Moscow have already produced challenges, with exceptionally cold conditions rendering certain modes of transportation difficult to use, including electric scooters, which faced operational issues during the coldest hours. This development illustrates how sharp temperature swings can impact daily life in the city.