In St. Petersburg, snow has piled up to levels not seen in years, marking a standout mid-winter event. Early in the morning, the city weather station reported snowdrifts measuring 45 cm, a figure confirmed by a local meteorology forecaster.
Analysts note that January 20, 2024 matched the total snowfall tallies recorded on January 20 in 1966 and came within 1 cm of the record set on January 20, 2011. This comparison highlights how extreme the current snowfall has been when viewed against past decades.
Forecasts indicate the snow cover in St. Petersburg is unlikely to grow further over the next two days. Snowfall is expected again on January 22, but this will be offset by a rapid melt anticipated to begin on the night of January 23.
Experts emphasize that melting will continue through Thursday, which suggests there should be no additional increase in the depth of the snow cover for the time being.
Earlier reports noted that some areas of the Moscow region experienced significant snowdrifts, reaching up to 41 cm in certain locales.
Automobile specialists have discussed how drivers should adapt to snowy conditions, including changes in braking distances, road tire choices, and cautious speed control.
Across various parts of Russia, forecasts had warned of unusually heavy snowfall, underscoring the importance of preparedness and prudent travel planning during severe winter events.
These developments illustrate how regional weather patterns can produce sharp contrasts within short distances, prompting officials to issue advisories and residents to adjust daily routines accordingly. This report synthesizes observations from meteorological briefings and traffic safety analyses to provide a concise snapshot of the snow scenario across the central and western parts of the country. Attribution: Regional Weather Service and Transport Safety Agencies