Forecasts for Moscow this Sunday call for cloudy skies, sleet, and heavy icing, with warnings issued by the Russian Hydrometeorological Center. The capital is expected to experience a mix of precipitation that can create slick road conditions and reduced visibility in several areas, prompting drivers and pedestrians to exercise extra caution. On the thermometer, daytime readings are projected to hover near freezing, between 0 and 2 degrees Celsius, before a rapid cool-down begins after sunset. By Monday night, the city could see temperatures dip to as low as minus 13 degrees, signaling swift swings in weather that residents should be prepared for with warm clothing, reliable heat sources, and a readiness to adjust plans as conditions evolve.
Winds are forecast from the west and northwest, blowing at 6 to 11 meters per second. Those gusts can intensify the chill, especially along exposed routes and open spaces where the air feels sharper. Atmospheric pressure is expected to reach about 736 millimeters of mercury, a metric meteorologists monitor to gauge overall atmospheric stability and to anticipate effects on outdoor activities and the load carried by temporary structures in outdoor settings.
Within the broader Moscow region, Sunday temperatures are anticipated to range from minus three to plus two degrees Celsius. As evening approaches, readings may slip further to minus six degrees, adding a noticeable coolness for residents stepping out after dusk. By Monday night, regional temperatures could fall to minus 16 degrees, reinforcing the need for layered attire and practical precautions for anyone outdoors during chillier hours.
Looking ahead to New Year’s Day, Muscovites should brace for continued cold conditions. Phobos meteorological center notes that the central part of the capital may experience temperatures ranging from minus five to minus seven Celsius. Such readings remind residents to stay warm and protect exposed skin from frostbite during extended periods spent outside.
In commentary on frost and unusually severe cold, former head of the Russian Hydrometeorological Center, Roman Vilfand, highlighted the possibility of persistent frost across multiple regions. He mentioned the pattern could involve significant cold spells spreading across a wide portion of the country, with temperature anomalies that linger beyond a single day and affect daily planning, travel, and safety throughout affected areas.
Historical observations from Russian scientists working in Arctic conditions have also noted atmospheric oddities on the same day, including mirages and a white rainbow. These phenomena, while rare, reflect the intricate interactions between extreme cold, moisture, and sunlight in high-latitude environments. They serve as a reminder that winter weather can surprise observers with visually striking and scientifically interesting displays even as it imposes practical challenges for everyday life in the northern latitudes.