According to official weather data, Moscow is experiencing a hazardous level of cold described as orange by the Hydrometeorological Center. The advisory highlights extreme low temperatures and the risk of black ice on roads and sidewalks, prompting authorities to issue specific safety warnings for residents and travelers alike.
The key messages from the department emphasize very low temperatures and the presence of black ice, underscoring the danger to anyone who ventures outdoors. The frost alert covers icing conditions from 23:00 on January 13 to 10:00 on January 14, with a broader yellow warning for icing extending until 12:00 on January 15. These warnings signal a multi-day period where surface ice accumulations can create slick surfaces, increasing the likelihood of slips, falls, and vehicle accidents.
Regional officials from the Ministry of Emergency Situations advise residents in the capital and surrounding areas to dress for extremely cold conditions, avoid leaving electric heaters unattended, and refrain from hot showers immediately after returning indoors. The guidance stresses that rapid temperature changes can place significant stress on the cardiovascular system, and individuals with heart conditions should take additional precautions during this cold spell.
During the night of January 13, cold records were reported in the Moscow region, with Klin registering an air temperature drop to -32.7°C, the coldest seen since the start of the winter season. In Moscow itself, the main meteorological station at VDNKh recorded a minimum of -24.2°C, while other stations reported temperatures ranging from -19.6°C in Balchug to -28.1°C in Butovo. This spectrum of readings reflects substantial variation across the capital, yet all measurements sit well below typical winter norms and underscore the overall severity of the cold snap.
Earlier health officials cautioned that winter conditions raise the risk of acute cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes. The combination of extreme cold, icy surfaces, and potential dehydration or overexertion during outdoor activity contributes to a heightened need for preventive measures and awareness among the general public and especially among those with preexisting health concerns.