Moscow Records Record Snow Depth as Thaw Looms

Moscow Delivers a Record Snowfall and a Swift Thaw Forecast

The Phobos meteorological center reports a striking development in Moscow’s winter weather. The capital’s snow cover has surged to 39 centimeters at the base meteorological station near VDNKh, a figure confirmed by the center’s leading expert, Mikhail Leus. This update marks not only the highest snow depth observed since the autumn-winter season began, but also a new daily snow depth record for December 16. The announcement indicates that the city has moved through a rapid transition from heavy snow to rapid changes in temperature and moisture as thaw conditions begin to take hold.

Leus explained that the 39 cm mark surpassed the previous daily record, which stood at 33 cm and dated back to 1919. The milestone underscores how unusual and intense this period of snowfall has been for Moscow, highlighting a sequence of extreme weather events that have tested the city’s winter preparedness and infrastructure. In assessments from the center, this spike in snow depth coincided with the passage of a powerful cyclone that earned the name Vanya, a storm that set multiple snow-related records before moving away from the city toward the northeast.

Forecasts from the meteorological authorities anticipate a shift in weather over the coming days. Rather than continuing to accumulate, the snow is expected to melt gradually, thickening and receding as temperatures rise and natural gravity drives the snowpack downslope. The outlook suggests a thaw will dominate the near term, with daily temperatures edging above zero and the possibility of intermittent rainfall contributing to the melt. This evolution will likely transform the city’s snowy landscape, changing street conditions and influencing transportation planning and public safety measures.

Earlier statements from Alexander Shuvalov, the head of the Meteo Center, indicated that Hurricane Vanya had departed from Moscow after delivering substantial snowfall. The center’s officials noted that the storm had arrived earlier in the week, coating the capital with a heavy blanket of snow before retreating. As the city transitions, forecasters expect air temperatures to rise, reducing snow cover and accelerating the thaw process. This sequence, from record snowfall to a warming trend, reflects the dynamic nature of winter weather patterns often driven by shifting air masses and atmospheric pressure systems that interact with the region’s geography.

Historically, Moscow has faced notable snow events and record milestones. In the current season, the city has already seen remarkable snowfall levels that have forced adjustments in urban services and daily routines. Meteorologists emphasize that the ongoing thaw may reveal underlying ground conditions and influence drainage and sanitation operations, as well as the management of snow removal resources. Observers point to the broader climate context, noting that such fluctuations, while dramatic, are not unprecedented for the capital, though they may be amplified by local microclimates and regional atmospheric dynamics.

The ongoing updates from the Phobos center stress the importance of monitoring real-time data and weather models to forecast short-term changes accurately. Residents and city officials are advised to prepare for potential delays in travel, as residual ice and wet roads can persist even as overall temperatures rise. The situation illustrates how a single weather system can produce a sequence of distinct phases within a few days, from a record-setting snow depth to a thaw that reshapes the urban winter landscape. The department continues to track conditions closely and issue timely advisories as needed, drawing on a combination of ground observations and satellite-derived information to inform the public and municipal services.

At this moment, the snow depth record serves as a reminder of Moscow’s capacity to experience abrupt weather shifts. The city remains vigilant, balancing the demands of a heavy, compact snowpack with the practical realities of a warming trend. As forecast models evolve, residents may notice changes in daily life, from altered commutes to adjustments in school schedules and public transportation planning. The evolving weather pattern underscores the need for ongoing readiness and flexible response strategies within the urban environment, ensuring safety and continuity as the season advances. As the narrative of this winter unfolds, the reports from Phobos provide a critical reference point for understanding how Moscow negotiates the extremes that come with each passing front and how rapidly changing temperatures interact with snow accumulation and melt.

In summary, Moscow’s 39-centimeter snow depth at the base station near VDNKh represents a historical peak, driven by the effects of Hurricane Vanya. The forecast points toward a warming spell that will gradually reduce the snow cover, setting the stage for a late-season thaw. This combination of record-setting snowfall followed by a thaw highlights the volatility of winter weather in the region and the importance of continual monitoring by meteorological centers and city services. The situation remains a live event, with updates anticipated as new data streams from ground stations and atmospheric models continue to converge.

Attribution: Phobos meteorological center and the Moscow city weather monitoring team.