The European part of Russia is confronting what experts describe as a severe cold collapse, according to a senior meteorologist from the national weather service. The scientific director at the Russian Hydrometeorological Center warned that the coming period will bring temperatures significantly below long-term norms across major regions, including Moscow, the Ural mountains, and southern Russia. This forecast signals a substantial deviation from typical winter patterns, with many areas entering unseasonably deep cold for this time of year.
In his briefing, he highlighted the likelihood of exceptionally harsh frosts, with thermometer readings plummeting well below zero. The forecast points to a sustained period of subzero conditions, and in the Urals, the cold may reach particularly extreme levels, with nighttime lows dipping toward the minus 30s to minus 40 degrees Celsius. Such extreme temperatures pose risks for health, infrastructure, and daily life, and authorities usually respond with guidance on warmth, heating, and preparedness for residents in the affected zones.
Alina Kotilevskaya, who previously served as Chief Specialist at the Phobos Weather Center, noted that the anticipated cold snaps will be most pronounced during the night hours. She indicated that Moscow could see frost levels approaching minus 27 degrees Celsius on the nights of January 7 through January 9, underscoring the severity of the chill and the need for protective measures for those outdoors at night. These observations align with the overall forecast of a deepening cold spell across major population centers.
Forecasts from the meteorology team suggest a temperature decline starting in the late afternoon of January 5. The nights of January 7 through 9 are expected to bring frosts near minus 27 degrees, coupled with atmospheric pressure reaching around 775 millimeters of mercury. Such pressure readings generally accompany strong temperature inversions and clear skies that can intensify nocturnal cooling, amplifying the frost risk across urban and rural areas alike.
According to the weatherman, the capital should experience a pronounced cold spell through January 10, with daytime and nighttime temperatures remaining well below seasonal norms. A drop to around minus 20 degrees Celsius in the afternoon of January 6 would be followed by persistent subzero conditions from January 7 through January 9, fluctuating between minus 18 and minus 20 degrees. By January 10, the daytime high is projected to hold near minus 18 degrees, marking a lingering yet slightly moderated spell as the week progresses.
Across the European part of Russia, residents should prepare for continuing low temperatures that challenge typical winter routines. Authorities often issue practical guidance on staying warm, protecting pipes from freezing, and ensuring reliable heating for homes and workplaces. Public safety messages emphasize layering clothing, limiting time outdoors during peak frost, and keeping emergency supplies on hand in case of power or heating disruptions. This episode serves as a reminder that even in midwinter, conditions can shift quickly, requiring vigilance and proportional protective steps for individuals and communities.