Roman Vilfand, the Scientific Director at Russia’s Hydrometeorological Center, has clarified that the phrase “black blizzard” is used in the Far North, and applying it to Moscow’s snowfall is not entirely accurate. This nuance was reported by RIA News.
Vilfand recalled that he had encountered the expression only once or twice during a field expedition in Taimyr. He emphasized that such a phenomenon does not occur in temperate zones, where winter weather tends to follow more predictable patterns.
According to meteorological discussions, a “dark blizzard” or “black blizzard” describes a natural event in which large snowflakes ride almost parallel to the ground, driven by powerful winds. In these conditions, visibility can drop to near zero, and the term is predominantly used by residents of northern regions where the landscape can be blanketed in a dense, moving snow curtain.
On a Sunday, Russia’s Emergencies Ministry issued a warning for Moscow about heavy snowfall, freezing drizzle, and icy roads expected from 21:00 on November 26 to 10:00 on November 27. Some forecasters have speculated about the possibility of a “black snowstorm” affecting the capital during those hours. By Monday morning, multiple streets recorded snow piles reaching around 24 centimeters, a significant accumulation for the city.
In a striking scene, several delivery robots became stranded on the roads due to the heavy snowfall. Video footage showed pedestrians struggling to pass the robots as they skidded through slush, and some people helped by pushing the devices to regain traction. Yandex explained that the clip depicts a third-generation delivery robot that is designed to handle snowfall on its own; when needed, an operator can intervene to assist the machine.
Earlier in the season, meteorologist Shuvalov warned that the frequency of extreme weather events in Russia may rise, signaling a broader trend toward more intense winter conditions in certain regions. The remark underscored a growing concern among scientists and local authorities about how climate-related shifts could influence daily life, transportation, and safety in both urban and rural settings. (citation: RIA News)