Cold and snowy conditions have already taken hold across about 45 percent of Russia’s territory, according to the Hydrometeorological Center’s scientific director. The early winter pattern is evident in many regions as autumn winds down. In the northern and central parts of the Far East, snow blankets broad stretches of the landscape. In Yakutia, the height of snowdrifts has reached nearly 23 cm, a clear sign that cold air is becoming the rule rather than the exception across the region.
As air temperatures continue to fall, precipitation is expected to turn into snow in additional parts of the country. The forecast notes that in the second half of the week snow will likely spread to the Amur region and the eastern part of the Trans-Baikal region, broadening the winter picture. These shifts will be felt as the season pushes deeper into Siberia, with snow becoming more common in the days ahead and shaping daily routines for residents and travelers alike.
Looking at the broader picture, about 70 percent of the Siberian Federal District could be snow-covered, along with the northern half of the Ural Federal District. If that comes to pass, winter conditions would unfold across major corridors of the country, influencing road safety, energy demand, and logistics as communities adapt to longer cold spells and more frequent snowfall.
In Russia’s European territories, forecasters expect ongoing snow in Arkhangelsk and along the Kola Peninsula through the end of the week. The outlook points to a persistent wintry pattern in these areas, with slippery roads and gusty winds adding to travel challenges and outdoor work considerations as temperatures stay low and precipitation continues.
Earlier predictions from Moscow’s meteorology community indicated the first snow could arrive in the second half of October, though it is likely to melt quickly amid fluctuating conditions. Many observers emphasize that the capital’s weather may feature brief snow events rather than a sustained snowfall at this stage as autumn gradually gives way to winter.
One former forecaster warned that Moscow might be entering a period marked by more frequent frosts and rain—a sign of a shifting pattern for the city and its surroundings. While exact timing remains uncertain, the overall message is clear: winter is arriving earlier for many regions, bringing significant snow in the coming days and weeks.