Cold and icy conditions forecast for Moscow and surrounding areas
Weather authorities warn of cloudy skies with light snow and a layer of ice shaping up for Moscow on Tuesday. The forecast comes from the Hydrometeorological Center, which cautions drivers and pedestrians to be prepared for slippery surfaces and reduced visibility as precipitation falls and can glaze roads and sidewalks.
Daily temperatures are expected to stay between minus four and minus two degrees Celsius, with a significant chill at night that could dip to minus seventeen in the city center and minus fourteen in other parts of Moscow. Residents should plan for a cold day with biting winds and the potential for frostbite if outside for extended periods without proper clothing.
In the broader Moscow region, temperatures are anticipated to range from minus seven to minus two degrees, with intermittent snowfall adding to the wintry feel. Snow accumulations could be light but persistent, contributing to snow-covered streets and sidewalks that require careful travel planning.
Nighttime forecasts predict another drop, with thermometers possibly recording minus nineteen degrees. A brisk wind from the east and northeast, at six to eleven meters per second, will intensify the perceived cold. Atmospheric pressure is projected to hold around 750 millimeters of mercury, a factor that can influence how cold the air feels and the rate at which moisture freezes on contact surfaces.
Due to icing conditions, an orange level weather danger remains in effect for Moscow and the surrounding region through Wednesday morning, with official warnings continuing until eight o clock Moscow time in the capital and until nine o clock for the wider area. This alert signals an elevated risk of freezing rain and ice accumulation that can dramatically affect transport, utilities, and daily routines.
Earlier advisories showed a freezing rain warning for Moscow specifically that was valid through six o clock in the morning, while the Moscow region faced a longer window of potential ice and slick surfaces, stretching into the morning hours of the following day. Local authorities emphasize exercising caution, maintaining extra separation on the roads, and dressing in layers to cope with the rapid temperature swings that accompany winter weather of this type.
Before the latest updates, residents described the day as the coldest one of the week, underscoring the severity of the chilly spell. In earlier comments, a meteorologist mentioned a notable site near the city center, described as a mound near barricades, which observers noted in relation to shifting wind patterns and ice formation along certain streets. This context helps explain why the current forecast carries heightened attention from residents and commuters alike.
Throughout this period, public safety officials remind people to monitor official forecasts for the latest adjustments, keep vehicles winter-ready, and avoid unnecessary travel during peak icing conditions. When travel is unavoidable, leaders urge allowing extra time, using headlamps in dim light, and keeping a winter emergency kit in the car. For pedestrians, wearing sturdy boots with good traction and gloves that retain warmth helps reduce the risk of slips and exposure in the freezing air. The combination of cold air, icy surfaces, and gusty winds makes this a week to prepare for carefully and act prudently.