As the workweek ends, a surge of frost is forecast to sweep into Moscow. On the night of February 16, thermometers are expected to plunge to as low as minus 25 degrees, according to Evgeny Tishkovets, the lead forecaster at the Phobos meteorological center.
Following this deep cold, the weather for much of the coming week is projected to be partly cloudy and unusually frigid, with minimal precipitation. On Thursday morning, temperatures are anticipated to dip to minus 17 to minus 22 degrees, then rebound gradually to minus 10 to minus 15 during the day. Friday night looks set to deliver the strongest frost, ranging from minus 20 to minus 25 degrees. Yet by the afternoon of February 16, thermometers may rise to a still chilly minus 9 to minus 14 degrees.
Forecasters explain that the current cold spell will ease heading into the weekend, bringing temperatures closer to the long term climatic average for the season. The shift will appear gradually as high pressure builds in and Arctic air loses some of its bite, marking a return toward more typical winter conditions.
Looking at the early part of the coming week, there is another notable forecast. Roman Vilfand, the scientific director of the Russian Hydrometeorological Center, indicated that the week could begin with a quick rise in temperatures above freezing on Monday, followed by the possibility of freezing rain sweeping through the city. This combination can create slick surfaces and careful driving conditions for residents.
Earlier reports noted that the weather warning level had increased due to the risk of freezing rain in Moscow, adding a cautionary note for travelers and commuters alike. Weather services emphasize taking precautions when conditions are unstable, including warm clothing, careful navigation on icy roads, and monitoring updates for any changes in the forecast.