The ice edge along the navigable stretch of Zolotoy Rog Bay in Vladivostok is advancing, with portions of the water surface now capped by frost and ice. A recent briefing from a representative of the Primorsky Department of Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring notes that the cold spell has stretched over several days, driven by prolonged frosts and a sustained drop in air temperatures across the city. This update comes from the regional weather service and reflects current conditions observed in and around the bay.
In a report compiled for the agency, temperatures in the nearby village were recorded at minus 1.8 degrees Celsius on January 17. After that initial reading, cooling intensified in Vladivostok, and forecasts issued for January 22 projected a further steep drop, with temperatures expected to reach minus 18 degrees Celsius. Such a sharp decline underscores the depth of the cold snap gripping the area and sets the stage for significant ice formation along the fringe of the bay.
The weather service notes that port activity tends to wane during extreme cold spells. Over the weekend, there was modest activity at the harbor, while the bay began to freeze along its margins. A representative from Primhydromet noted that the current temperature anomaly is about six degrees below seasonal norms and is not anticipated to return to typical values until the weekend advances. This observation aligns with historical patterns where winter conditions bring measurable yet fluctuating ice coverage on the bay.
Experts emphasize that the Golden Horn Bay frequently experiences brief periods of freezing, with ice either partially or entirely covering the reservoir for portions of the winter season. Despite the presence of ice on the surface, maritime traffic continues to move through the bay in winter months. The source explained that the ice layer may form on the surface but does not always gain the strength necessary to halt or substantially impede passage, allowing ships to traverse the waterway when conditions permit.
In related weather expectations, residents of neighboring Sakhalin have recently been monitoring forecasts for a potential deep cyclone that could bring strong winds and blizzards to the island. Such developments tend to amplify winter hazards across the region, influencing coastal conditions, port operations, and the behavior of ice along the littoral zones. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, providing updates as new data becomes available, and advising precautionary measures for those who rely on the bay for transportation or recreation during the cold season.