The Moscow region has seen its first notable 20-degree frost event in recent days, according to updates circulated on the telegram channel of Mikhail Leus, a leading expert at the Phobos meteorological center. The trend underscores a pattern of sharply cooling nights that have become a hallmark of this early-winter spell. Residents across the region have felt the bite of the cold as clear skies and dry air push thermometers toward extreme lows, with forecasts suggesting continued cold conditions into the coming days. [Source: Phobos meteorological center]
In Klin, near Moscow, the night of December 6 delivered a record-breaking low of -21.8°C. The forecaster noted that this frost ranks as the second harshest December event in a decade for the town, with only December 2021 recording a colder temperature at -25°C. Such readings reflect a broader winter pattern where rural and outlying areas register more extreme freezes than the city center, a consequence of urban warming effects and local microclimates. These numbers are current as of 6 am, and meteorologists caution that the air may still sink slightly during the ensuing hours as the atmosphere continues to stabilize in the dark hours of night. [Source: local meteorological reports]
Meanwhile in Moscow itself, the in-city temperature range showed a mix of severe cold and relative warmth by comparison. The main weather station at VDNKh reported a minimum of -12.4°C, with Balchug recording -8.6°C, the Butovo district at -18.4°C, and New Moscow hitting -19.2°C. The disparity between districts illustrates how geography, elevation, and urban structures influence winter conditions even within a single city. Forecasters emphasize that such patterns are typical of a continental climate in winter, when polar air masses push across vast landmasses and interact with local terrain to create pockets of differing cold. [Source: Moscow weather monitoring]
Leus clarified that these figures reflect measurements taken at 6 am and that the air temperature could drop a bit more in the next three hours. For residents, this means dressing in layers, preparing for icy sidewalks, and ensuring vehicles are equipped for frosty starts. Meteorologists advise checking local forecasts regularly because even small shifts in wind direction or cloud cover can affect how cold it feels in practice. [Source: Phobos meteorological center]
Additionally, residents in Moscow reported that snow cover has continued to grow, with officials noting a rising snow depth that could exceed daily expectations through December 9. Drifts reaching 37 centimeters have been observed, a figure that raises concerns about road safety, accessibility to suburban routes, and the ongoing need for snow removal operations. While some days bring a lighter breeze, others deliver gusts that pile up fresh snow against curbs and parked cars, creating hazards for pedestrians and drivers alike. Authorities remind people to adjust travel plans and to use extra caution on unplowed or iced streets. [Source: municipal snow data]
The temperature thresholds are also being watched for sports and outdoor activity. In particular, the general guideline is that extreme cold can dramatically affect the safety of outdoor football or other field sports. Officials advise postponing or canceling outdoor play when temperatures dip well below minus 15°C to minus 20°C, especially with wind chill considered. At those levels, even a simple sprint can become painful and risky for the lungs and extremities, and skin protection is essential. For families and clubs, this translates into practical planning around practice times, warm-up routines, and proper protective gear. [Source: local safety advisories]