An interview with Alexander Ganshin, a researcher with physical and mathematical sciences and the head of Yandex Weather, highlighted in no uncertain terms that central Russian cities should expect a stretch of unusually hot days in the near future.
Ganshin noted that the planet is warming, and the pace of this warming is not uniform. He explained that polar regions warm much more quickly than equatorial zones, a pattern that reshapes global air movement and, by extension, regional weather. In practical terms, the way air circulates depends on temperature differences, so changes in these patterns push the Atlantic cyclone systems farther into the central parts of Russia, often steering weather from west to east and influencing large swaths of the country.
Looking ahead, he warned that climate-driven shifts in atmospheric circulation will bring more weather anomalies to Russia. In winter, precipitation is likely to exceed previous levels due to faster warming in Russia relative to the rest of the world. He cites data showing an average 2.2 percent increase in precipitation per decade since 1976, a trend that compounds the impact of warming on daily weather experiences.
Residents of capitals and major cities could find daily life more challenging than people in southern regions, because urban environments create unique microclimates. Cities trap heat more effectively due to dense built surfaces such as asphalt and concrete, creating urban heat islands where central urban surroundings feel warmer than outskirts and nearby green spaces. The absence of nearby forests or large water bodies further intensifies this effect, suggesting that the core of major cities will experience higher temperatures than rural fringes in the coming decade or two.
Another important trend highlighted by Ganshin is the potential for warming to elevate risks in the near term. He points to a higher likelihood of dangerous situations arising from heat, including intensified forest fires, accelerated ice melt, and deteriorating air quality, all of which have broad implications for health, infrastructure, and daily routines.
In a broader context, experts emphasize that the distribution of rainfall and the frequency of extreme weather events are closely tied to shifting temperature patterns. As the climate system reorganizes itself, cities face the challenge of adapting to more frequent hot spells, heavier precipitation, and the cascading effects on transportation, energy demand, and public safety. The conversation around these developments is ongoing, with researchers continuing to monitor how regional climates respond to global warming and what that means for planning and resilience in major urban centers across Russia and beyond.
Earlier reports noted that Moscow could experience a notably wet spell in the new week, illustrating how rapidly projections can move from global patterns to city-scale impacts. Scholars and practitioners alike advocate for proactive measures that address heat exposure, flood risk, and air quality as part of a comprehensive strategy for urban climate adaptation and public health protection.