Alexander Ilyin, a forecaster at the Meteo forecast center, notes that the Moscow region should expect weather that moves in fits and starts in the days leading up to the New Year. The forecast points to periods of wet snow as the holiday approaches, creating a mix of slick patches and light accumulations rather to a dramatic snowfall. This pattern of uneven progress is highlighted as a central feature of the coming days, suggesting a dynamic interaction between atmospheric moisture and colder air over the region.
There is no expectation of extreme cold or extreme heat in the near term. Instead, forecasters describe a gradual transition with occasional sharp changes as the system passes. The implication for residents and travelers is a need to be prepared for quick shifts in road conditions and visibility, rather than a single, sustained weather event. In discussing these developments with the 360 TV channel, Ilyin emphasizes that another round of melting ice could occur, underscoring the likelihood of mixed precipitation and irregular freezing cycles before the year ends.
Forecasts for December 28 indicate light frosts ranging from 1 to 4 degrees Celsius across the Moscow region. As December 29 and 30 approach, a warming trend is expected to begin, accompanied by precipitation that will likely take the form of wet snow on the 29th. Temperature trends suggest that overnight lows will stay above freezing on the night of the 29th, reducing the risk of heavy icing but maintaining damp, slippery conditions in the mornings.
On December 30, temperatures are projected to rise further, reaching around +4 degrees in most areas, while the northern parts of the region could see readings at or just above freezing, around 0 to +1 degrees. This shift signifies a clear move toward milder conditions for the final days of December, with a notable difference between the central zones and the northern outskirts where cooling can persist a bit longer. These variations are typical for winter transitional periods, when small differences in elevation and local microclimates translate into noticeable changes in daily highs and nightly lows.
When compared with the broader outlook for Central Russia, the Hydrometeorological Center of the Russian Federation estimates that December 31 could feature temperatures in a moderate range, roughly between 0 and -3 degrees. In the Black Earth regions, temperatures are expected to be slightly higher than in other parts of the Central Federal District, by about two degrees, reflecting regional differences in air masses as winter continues to settle in. Such patterns are consistent with seasonal expectations, where warm air intrusions and cold air masses negotiate for dominance across a wide area, producing days that vary from crisp to mild with periodic snowfall. [Attribution: Hydrometeorological Center of the Russian Federation]
Earlier forecasts for Central Russia in January have indicated a continuing balance between cold snaps and temporary warmth, with fluctuations likely to influence travel plans, heating needs, and daily activities. Forecasters stress that residents should monitor updated advisories, as even small shifts in wind direction or moisture supply can alter the forecast by day. While the overall trend points toward more typical winter conditions, the precise timing and intensity of snow, sleet, or freezing rain remain subject to regional variations and evolving atmospheric patterns. In practical terms, this means drivers should stay alert for changing road surfaces, and households should prepare for a range of conditions from light frosts to brief periods of slush or icy patches. [Attribution: Hydrometeorological Center of the Russian Federation]”}