A Moscow forecast this spring shows the city warming up, yet unsettled conditions may bring sleet back in April. Weather observers note the contrast between milder days and stubborn chill, a pattern that often marks the transition from winter to true spring, with sleet episodes possible as late as April. This assessment comes from the Moscow Meteorological Bureau and is echoed by regional forecasters who monitor daily developments across the capital.
For March, the temperature in the capital surprised many observers, registering around plus 12 degrees Celsius. This is notably above historical averages, underscoring a period of unusual warmth for the season and signaling a shift in the typical March climate that can influence how residents plan outdoor activities and daily routines.
Climatic norms for late March place the height of snow cover in Moscow at about 22 centimeters. That benchmark helps forecasters gauge how quickly the city will shed its winter mantle and how exposed the ground remains to further cold snaps. The snow cover level provides a tangible measure for residents, infrastructure planners, and local services as they assess travel conditions and snow-related maintenance needs.
According to projections aligned with long-standing seasonal expectations, the remaining snow is expected to melt around April 6, give or take a few days, following the typical timing of snowmelt for the season. Forecasters stress that this estimate depends on a sequence of warmer days interspersed with cold spells, which can either hasten or delay the final disappearance of snow from streets and parks.
As the week unfolds, the official forecast outlines a pattern of fluctuating warmth. On Monday, March 27, temperatures are anticipated to reach plus 10 to plus 12 degrees Celsius, with a peak near plus 14 degrees Celsius possible on Tuesday, March 28, and a continued high around plus 12 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, March 29. These figures reflect a brief warm spell that can alter daily routines, affect energy use, and influence the timing of outdoor events across the city.
Forecasts warn of two cold waves in close succession. The first is expected from March 30 to April 1, followed by a slight warm-up, after which a second wave of cold air could arrive. Forecasters do not rule out snowfall during the first ten days of April, a possibility that keeps residents prepared for abrupt weather changes and the need to adjust plans for travel and outdoor activities as the season settles into spring.
Analysts note that Moscow’s weather is entering what former scientific director of the Hydrometeorological Center of Russia describes as a spring scenario. The ongoing pattern resembles a normal, traditional contest between circulation regimes, winter and spring, and marks a transition where winter’s influence gradually yields to spring’s stabilizing warmth. This interpretation aligns with observed temperature swings and shifting atmospheric dynamics that define the city’s weather as it moves toward more typical spring conditions, according to the Hydrometeorological Center and related seasonal experts.