Muscovites are eyeing a pronounced cold spell unfolding in the latter half of the coming week, with meteorology issuing alerts about a phenomenon nicknamed Phobos. The shift in conditions is expected to be noticeable across both the city and its surrounding regions, as residents prepare for a temporary swing in typical spring temperatures.
Forecasts indicate that nighttime temperatures will hover around plus five to plus ten degrees Celsius at the start of the week. As Thursday rolls in, temperatures in Moscow are projected to decrease, and night-time readings are unlikely to fall below minus one to plus six degrees Celsius. This cooling will be more felt after dusk, with daytime highs remaining modest and the overall mood of the air turning crisper as citizens go about daily routines and outdoor activities.
Earlier speculation from weather expert Tatyana Pozdnyakova pointed to a potential storm event in Moscow after May 17. The outlook from Pozdnyakova suggested that the city’s weather during the following weekend would be influenced by a high-pressure system. While daily temperatures are expected to creep toward the seasonal average, early May readings had shown a temporary dip, sitting around five degrees below what is typical for the period.
Looking ahead, an anticyclonic regime is anticipated to take hold in the middle of the month, bringing a period of more settled and warmer conditions to the Moscow metropolitan area. Alexander Shuvalov, who oversees the Meteo forecast center, confirmed that this high-pressure influence would help balance the cooling tendencies and create a clearer, calmer weather pattern for several days. The shift in pressure systems is likely to push temperatures closer to long-term norms, easing the abrupt fluctuations that have characterized the current spell.
Forecasters also flagged the potential for a renewed risk of unusually cold weather in Moscow as the month progresses. This warning underscores the importance of staying alert to daily updates, as rapid changes in wind direction and atmospheric pressure can alter the forecast. Local residents and visitors should consider layering wardrobe options, keeping an eye on overnight lows, and planning outdoor plans with weather variability in mind. The coming days will be characterized by a balance between cooler nights and milder daytime temperatures, with the possibility of brief cold snaps that could surprise those who expect a steady spring climate.
In practical terms, the forecast suggests a cautious approach to outdoor activities in the second half of the week. Outdoor workers, travelers, and families planning extended time outdoors should be prepared for cooler evenings and air that feels crisper due to the reduced nighttime temperatures. While the daytime sun may offer some warmth, the evening air will carry a bite that underscores the need for light outerwear and flexible plans. Residents are encouraged to monitor local advisories for any updates on wind chill factors, especially as nocturnal temps hover near freezing thresholds on the chilliest nights.
Overall, the near-term trend points to a transition from early May’s milder spell toward a more classic spring pattern mixing colder nights with moderate daytime warmth. The degree of fluctuation will hinge on the position and strength of the approaching anticyclone and any interacting weather systems aloft. As the middle of the month approaches, meteorologists expect a more stable regime to take hold, which should translate into more predictable day-to-day conditions and a smoother path back toward seasonal averages. The public is advised to stay tuned to official updates, as revisions to temperatures and wind conditions can occur with little notice in springtime meteorology.