Forecasts from weather authorities indicate snowfall, a potential blizzard, and icing conditions in Moscow on Sunday, December 3. This assessment comes from the Russian Hydrometeorological Center, a key national agency dedicated to tracking atmospheric patterns and issuing timely weather alerts.
Daytime temperatures are projected to plunge to about 7 degrees Celsius below zero, with nighttime readings reaching as low as minus 9 degrees. Winds are expected to come from the east, blowing at 6 to 11 meters per second, with localized bursts potentially hitting 16 meters per second. Atmospheric pressure is anticipated to register around 741 millimeters of mercury, a measure that helps meteorologists gauge storm intensity and the likelihood of rapid weather changes overnight and into the following day.
In the broader Moscow region, conditions are forecast to be even more severe, with daytime lows near minus 9 degrees and nighttime temperatures around minus 11 degrees, signaling a harsh chill across the wider metropolitan area and surrounding municipalities.
Authorities urged residents for caution as the weather deteriorates. Specifically, Muscovites were advised to refrain from driving unless absolutely necessary due to hazardous road surfaces and reduced visibility. The Moscow Ministry of Transport emphasized careful operation of vehicles on bridges and overpasses, reminding drivers to stay attentive and avoid distractions such as mobile phone use while behind the wheel. City traffic was coordinated by a network of 30 teams operating under the Situation Center and the Road Patrol Data Center to monitor road conditions, respond to incidents, and guide public transportation where possible.
A storm warning was issued by the capital’s Ministry of Emergencies for December 3, signaling the potential for rapidly changing and dangerous weather to impact daily life and emergency services operations. Residents were urged to prepare for winter hazards, maintain emergency supplies, and monitor official channels for real-time updates on road statuses and shelter options if needed.
Earlier observations by Russian scientists in Arctic regions noted the appearance of unusual atmospheric phenomena, including mirages and a white rainbow within a single day, underscoring the unusual optical effects that can accompany extreme cold and shifting air masses. Such occurrences, while not essential to daily safety, illustrate the broader meteorological complexities that accompany severe winter weather in northern climates.