A leading meteorology expert from the Phobos center highlighted a notable shift in Moscow’s weather pattern, as reported by RIA News. On September 20, temperatures reached unexpected highs at several observation points. By mid-afternoon, the VDNKh base station recorded around +24.3°C, while Balchug registered about +24.9°C, signaling a warmth level rarely seen at that time of year in the city’s climate history.
The prior record, established on September 20, 1937, stood for decades before being surpassed. Later that day, temperatures hovered near +24.2°C, underscoring how quickly the day’s warmth evolved across different locations within the metropolitan area (Phobos Center meteorologists; RIA News).
Earlier comments from another veteran analyst, Tatyana Pozdnyakova of the Meteonovosti news service, drew attention to a broader trend: September 2023 could rank among the driest periods in modern meteorological records, with rainfall shortages noted across many regions during this span. This observation aligns with the growing discussion about shifting precipitation patterns and their seasonal impacts (Meteonovosti, September 2023).
On September 17, a senior forecaster described a developing anticyclone as capable of delivering subtropical heat to Russia, a level of warmth not witnessed in a century. The analyst noted that the average September temperature in the central portion of the country ran about 1.5°C above long-term norms. The forecast for the weekend was characterized as sensational, suggesting temperatures would reach highs not seen for nearly 100 years in some areas (Phobos Center updates; official forecasts).
These developments raise questions about which regions may experience a second wave of warm weather, commonly referred to as an Indian summer, and how such periods interact with ongoing drought conditions. Meteorologists emphasize that regional effects can vary, with some zones experiencing extended warmth while others see more typical autumn transitions. The evolving pattern underscores the role of large-scale atmospheric systems in shaping local conditions and the importance of continuous monitoring for accurate seasonal forecasts (Phobos Center briefings; national weather services).