The Scientific Director of the Russian Hydrometeorological Center, Roman Vilfand, indicated that snow is expected to begin falling over Moscow starting Thursday evening, October 26, and the snowy spell is projected to continue through the upcoming weekend, according to the agency TASS. This forecast signals a shift toward wintry conditions in the capital and marks a notable change in the local weather pattern as autumn yields to the colder days of late October.
The meteorologist explained that light precipitation, including snow and sleet, will start late Thursday and should become more noticeable by Friday afternoon. The early hours of the cold front are likely to bring a mix of sleet and wet snow that may accumulate gradually on surfaces, creating a faint layer of white over familiar urban settings as travelers begin to adjust to the new texture of the season.
Vilfand’s outlook also suggests that a temporary snow cover could establish itself during the weekend, especially on elevated or shaded areas and on surfaces where temperatures linger near freezing. The coming days are anticipated to reveal how long the snowpack lasts and whether it will retake a more persistent footing once the weekend arrives, with workers and residents watching daily temperature fluctuations closely.
He emphasized that this is genuine snow that reaches the ground and forms a visible snow cover, marking a tangible transition from rain-washed sidewalks to a winter-ready landscape. The appearance of a lasting snow layer often accompanies a series of practical adjustments, including road treatments, changes in commuting patterns, and a reevaluation of outdoor activities as people prepare for colder conditions ahead.
Earlier, forecasters including Alexander Shuvalov predicted that Moscow’s working week would conclude with the onset of real winter. The forecast pointed to snow beginning in the capital on Friday, with expectations of snowdrifts reaching about ten centimeters by week’s end and a spell of freezing temperatures accompanying the snowfall. The prospect of deeper snow accumulation raised considerations for daily routines, infrastructure resilience, and the planning of outdoor events as residents brace for a more winterlike environment.
In the broader regional forecast, Phobos weather center noted that for the Moscow region on Wednesday, October 25 the weather would feel meteorologically reminiscent of winter. The forecast suggested that warm spells would be unlikely to return to the capital until well into the next spring, prompting preparations for sustained cold weather and potential impacts on energy demand and transportation systems as the season shifts toward its colder months.
There have been reports that Moscow recently experienced shifts tied to a nearby cyclone, an atmospheric feature that can influence regional weather patterns by delivering rapid changes in wind, temperature, and precipitation. The interaction between such systems and local conditions often accelerates the emergence of wintry mix and can contribute to sudden, temporary changes in the daily forecast as meteorologists refine their models with evolving data.