The Hydrometeorological Center has expanded the orange air-hazard level for Moscow and the Moscow region due to rising fire risk, according to recent reports from DEA News and other officials.
The official weather warning remains in effect until 20:00 on August 22, as stated by the agency. This means residents and visitors should be prepared for potentially hazardous air and fluctuating conditions that can affect visibility, breathing, and outdoor activities.
Officials describe orange as a warning level that signals dangerous weather conditions. In practical terms, this can translate to strong winds carrying smoke and heat, which in turn affects air quality and can stress vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues. Local authorities typically respond with guidance on time-sensitive protective measures, including limiting outdoor exposure and using protective masks when necessary.
Forecasts touching Moscow indicate a heat spike in the coming days. Meteorologists predict a stretch of unusually warm weather with daytime temperatures approaching the mid to upper 20s Celsius on Monday, followed by a possible rise into the low 30s Celsius on Tuesday. While such temperatures are not unprecedented for summer, the combination with elevated fire danger elevates the need for caution in outdoor plans and travel, especially for those with health sensitivities or in areas prone to smoke drift from distant fires.
In addition to the headlining heat, experts warn that smoke concentration could intensify as fires in neighboring regions burn. Evgeny Tishkovets, a senior analyst at a prominent aviation and meteorology center, cautions residents about the potential accumulation of smoke in the air due to ongoing wildfires in nearby districts. In the Central Federal District, fire danger remains high, with the Ryazan region experiencing an elevated level that surpasses typical seasonal expectations. Source: Hydrometeorological Center. Source: Phobos Meteorological Center.