Forecasts point to freezing rain affecting Moscow and the surrounding region as the new week begins. The warning comes from Roman Vilfand, the scientific director of the Russian Hydrometeorological Center, via TASS. The coming days may bring a mix of melted snow and refreezing near the surface, creating slick and potentially hazardous conditions on roads and walkways.
Vilfand noted that the risk of freezing rain in Moscow and the wider region could materialize on Monday. This event is tied to a rapid uptick in air temperatures aloft. At about 1,000 to 1,500 meters above ground, temperatures are expected to rise above freezing. Meanwhile, near the surface, temperatures could climb from near zero to around minus three degrees. The contrast between warmer air higher up and the chilly ground layer will cause snow to melt in mid-air or on contact, then refreeze as it settles, producing icy patches.
Snowfall is anticipated in Moscow on Monday night, with projected precipitation totaling roughly 2 to 3 millimeters. Overnight temperatures in the city are forecast to plunge to about minus seven to minus nine degrees Celsius. In the Moscow region, it could be even colder, dipping to minus six to minus eleven degrees. By daybreak, temperatures are expected to rebound, rising to near minus two to zero degrees in most areas, while the southern parts of the capital may see a slight warmth up to around plus one degree. Meteorologists warn that the combination of wet snow and subsequent refreezing will likely create slick surfaces and slippery travel conditions.
Officials also emphasized the potential for sharp temperature fluctuations across the region. Residents should prepare for icy sidewalks, stubborn slush, and reduced visibility on roadways as the weather evolves from night into daytime hours. The forecast stresses caution for drivers and pedestrians alike, especially during the transition periods when temperatures move quickly and snow can become a skating risk on untreated surfaces.
In other Arctic observations, scientists reported mirages and a white rainbow phenomenon during prior days, illustrating the unusual atmospheric patterns that can accompany rapid temperature shifts and bright refractions over cold surfaces. These unusual optical effects remind observers that the skies can hold more than just the obvious precipitation during cold snaps.