In Moscow, meteorologists predict a warmer spell that may not feel as warm as the thermometer suggests. The Scientific Director of the Russian Hydrometeorological Center, Roman Vilfand, notes that daytime temperatures will reach around five degrees Celsius, yet high humidity and strong winds will blunt the sense of mild warmth for many residents. The day brings a mix of damp air and gusty conditions that erase the comfort usually associated with a five degree rise.
By Saturday evening, forecasters expect a notable increase in temperature, rising about 13 to 14 degrees from early readings. Vilfand cautions that this change will be accompanied by a very strong wind, with speeds ranging from 15 to 20 meters per second, which can significantly influence how the air feels on the skin and how temperatures are perceived in the cityscape.
Looking ahead to Sunday, the night temperature is forecast to dip to between minus two and zero degrees, while daytime temperatures should climb to between three and five degrees. Even with a modest uptick, the overall sensation may remain cool due to accompanying weather conditions.
Vilfand explains that the combination of rain and sleet, along with persistent winds up to 17 meters per second, will accentuate the chilly feel. In such weather, the air can deliver a negative warmth index, leaving residents with a perception of cold despite the calendar showing a mild rise in temperature. This effect is common in damp-windy spells, where the wind chill and moisture amplify the sensation of coldness for Muscovites and visitors alike.
Experts emphasize that in this kind of pattern there is also an increased risk of catching colds. The body loses heat more rapidly in windy, wet conditions, and the immune response can be stressed by the damp air. People are advised to dress in layered clothing, protect extremities, and stay dry during outdoor activities to minimize discomfort and health risks as the system passes through the region.
The forecast comes amid ongoing work in meteorology that blends advanced satellite observations with traditional radar data to improve predictive accuracy. Scientists have been testing methods that integrate less-utilized satellite information with radar scans to refine short-term weather forecasts, particularly for rapidly changing urban environments where wind, precipitation type, and humidity interact in complex ways. This approach aims to deliver more reliable alerts for residents and authorities responsible for public safety, transportation planning, and emergency preparedness. The collaboration reflects a broader trend in weather science toward combining multiple data streams to reduce uncertainty in forecast models and to provide clearer guidance during unsettled weather events, such as the current cold and windy spell described by Vilfand. Source: Russian Hydrometeorological Center. By leveraging these techniques, forecasters hope to offer more precise timing and intensity estimates for precipitation and wind, helping travelers and city services adapt accordingly.