The Scientific Director of Russia’s Hydrometeorological Center, Roman Vilfand, explained to TASS that Moscow’s near-term temperatures are expected to swing dramatically due to a hurricane currently centered in the Baltic region, northwest of the capital. He noted that the storm is transporting warm air from the Mediterranean and the South Atlantic, which will influence daily highs and lows for several days.
Forecasts from the center indicate that daytime temperatures in Moscow on January 16 should range from -3°C to -1°C, with a possible brief rise to 0°C. In the Moscow region, temperatures are anticipated to fluctuate between -5°C and 0°C, with light snowfall possible in some areas as the weather system interacts with local air masses.
Vilfand added that starting January 17 the weather pattern is expected to shift markedly. The hurricane, moving from the northwest toward the northeast and away from the northern areas, will steer air from a northwest flow into Moscow rather than a southwest one. Consequently, Moscow could experience a further drop in temperatures, with daytime and nighttime values projected to fall to -8°C to -10°C in the city and around -12°C in the surrounding region.
During the night of Thursday, temperatures are forecast to plunge further, reaching -16°C to -18°C in Moscow and as low as -21°C in the regional outskirts. As the eastern edge of the hurricane advances toward the capital, temperatures may begin a modest climb during the daytime as the weather system gradually eases its grip on the area.
Additionally, Meteo-TV forecaster Alexander Ilyin indicated that two hurricanes would shape Moscow and the broader region’s weather for the week, bringing a mix of cold air intrusions and intermittent precipitation. This layered pattern means the city can expect sharp cold spells interspersed with brief relief periods as the system evolves and new air masses interact with the local climate.
Hydrometeorology Center observations suggested that starting Monday, Moscow should see a noticeable warming trend, with daytime temperatures edging above typical seasonal norms for the period. This shift would reflect the temporary intrusion of milder air before further weather systems influence the area. Forecasters noted that despite a warming impulse, the absence of sustained warmth would keep winter conditions in play for several days, maintaining a still-firm cold core in nightly temperatures and occasional snowfall in the city and its environs.
In this context, past forecasts that anticipated record-setting heat for 2024 have been revisited in light of current atmospheric dynamics. While some projections highlighted unusually high temperatures, the present meteorological readings emphasize a more nuanced picture where cold spells, wind shifts, and periodic snow are part of the ongoing seasonal pattern. Observers and residents are advised to expect fluctuating conditions as the Baltic-centered hurricane interacts with regional air masses, influencing not only temperatures but also wind speeds and cloud cover across the metropolitan area and the surrounding region.
For residents planning outdoor activities, officials advise staying updated with daily briefings, as the forecasts can evolve within a 24-hour window. The hydrometeorological network continues to monitor the storm’s trajectory, noting that even small changes in the hurricane’s position could alter local temperatures by several degrees in a single day. In practical terms, this means dressing in layers, preparing for sudden shifts in weather, and allowing extra time for travel during the more severe cold snaps that may occur as the system moves through the area.
Experts emphasize that while the overall pattern points toward colder conditions in Moscow and the surrounding region, the interplay of warm intrusions and cold air outbreaks will create a dynamic winter environment. Commuters and families should remain vigilant for potential disruptions, particularly on nights when temperatures drop rapidly and early mornings bring frost and ice across roads and pavements. The Meteorological Center continues to publish updates and warnings as new data becomes available, ensuring that the public receives timely guidance on safety and preparedness during this volatile weather period.