Forecasts show Moscow edging toward a rainy weekend with more than half of the monthly precipitation expected to fall by Sunday, July 21. This outlook comes from the capital’s weather team, with Alexander Ilyin, a forecaster at the MetForecast Center, weighing in on the numbers. The city has already seen a shift toward wetter conditions as July progresses, and this weekend stands out as a critical period where rainfall accumulates rapidly. The overall pattern points to a weekend where showers are not only frequent but spell out a meaningful share of the month’s total rainfall, reshaping plans for outdoor activities and daily commutes alike.
By July 18, Moscow’s rainfall had already dipped to about a quarter of the monthly norm. This context matters because it sets up the contrast with what follows, underscoring how quickly the weather can pivot in the summer months. The recent trend shows intervals of dry spells punctuated by bursts of rain, a typical Moscow summer dynamic that keeps residents on their toes while offering occasional relief from heat for those craving cooler air.
“As of yesterday, 25 percent of the monthly norm has fallen so far. But if we take into account today and the rain on Saturday and Sunday, the total amount will approach 50 ml. By the end of Sunday, more than 50 percent of the monthly norm has been achieved,” Ilyin indicated. This assessment highlights the unfolding pattern: a single weekend can significantly alter the monthly tally, pushing the city toward a pronounced wet spell. The forecast suggests Saturday and Sunday could bring steady rainfall, contributing notably to the month’s overall total and shaping how residents time outdoor tasks, travel, and weekend plans around the shifting weather window.
Forecasters also noted that the rain events this summer have not packed high intensity, yet they have endured longer than typical showers. The implication is a kind of persistent drizzle or steady downpour that lingers, testing rain gear and patience alike. While the storms may not roar with extreme force, their longevity means more hours spent under umbrellas or seeking shelter, a familiar rhythm for those accustomed to Moscow’s variable climate. In practical terms, communities may see lingering dampness on streets, parks, and transit routes as the weekend unfolds, with temperatures hovering in mild to moderately cool ranges compared with the peak heat period reported earlier in the season.
Leading expert of the Meteonovosti news agency, Tatyana Pozdnyakova, had previously explained that the capital region’s unusual heat had been swapped for a cold atmospheric front that brought rain and storms. Nevertheless, there is no need to bid farewell to summer too early; Pozdnyakova pointed out that rainy weather is a normal feature of July. The analyst also forecast that Moscow’s weather would improve toward the next weekend, specifically around July 20 and 21, offering a window of better conditions after the wet spell. For residents, this means a shift in daily routines: drier moments and clearer skies may punctuate the forecast as the weekend arrives, followed by a potential return to more typical warm conditions as early as the following days. The message to Muscovites is clear: plan for both wet periods and the possibility of a drying phase that follows, enabling a mix of outdoor activities and urban mobility without overreliance on sunshine alone.
In practical terms for the city’s residents, the weather outlook this weekend emphasizes preparedness. Rain gear, flexible travel plans, and check-ins on the latest forecasts will help residents adjust to changing conditions. Even with the anticipated improvement after the weekend, the pattern of intermittent showers and cool bursts can recur in the coming weeks, a reminder that Moscow’s summer climate remains dynamic and occasionally capricious. Weather services urge people to stay informed, especially those who commute by foot, bike, or public transit, as slick conditions and brief downpours can affect traffic and safety. The weekend forecast thus blends caution with cautious optimism, inviting residents to enjoy what the season still offers while respecting the atmospheric shifts that define Moscow’s summer weather.