The Moscow region is easing from a midweek cold peak as frost levels begin to soften gradually. Forecasts from Roman Vilfand, the scientific director of Russia’s Hydrometeorological Center, indicate that January 5 through January 8 will bring daytime temperatures in the range of minus 14 to minus 23 degrees. This assessment, reported by TASS, aligns with a broader pattern of moderation after an unusually severe cold spell.
Temperature readings are expected to run about 10 to 11 degrees below typical seasonal averages, signaling a clear shift away from the record-setting deep freeze that preceded it, when night and day temperatures hovered around 17 to 18 degrees below normal. The change offers a temporary relief for residents and services while frost remains stubborn and caution is still necessary for ongoing winter conditions.
Among the days in this period, January 6, a Saturday, is forecast to be the warmest, while January 7, a Sunday, is slated to be the coldest. Despite these short-term fluctuations, frost events are forecast to intensify again on Christmas Day. In Moscow, night temperatures are projected to bottom out around 22 to 24 degrees below zero with daytime readings near 18 to 20 degrees below zero. In the wider Moscow region, night temperatures could dip to about 27 degrees below zero and daytime levels hover around 23 degrees below zero.
Looking back to last Christmas, Moscow endured extreme cold with nighttime averages near minus 23.5 degrees and daytime around minus 20 degrees, with harsher conditions in the surrounding areas. Forecasts suggest a likelihood of similar patterns reappearing, indicating a persistent cold trend through the holiday period and the broader winter cycle. Weather experts emphasize the need for continued vigilance in cold-weather planning and preparedness as such conditions reemerge in similar forms.
From airport operations to daily travel, the frost continues to shape activities. At Sheremetyevo airport, officials warned that flights may experience delays due to severe frost, underlining how winter weather can disrupt schedules and require contingency planning. Travelers are advised to monitor flight statuses and allow extra time for ground transportation within the affected corridor.
In broader notes, meteorologists have discussed Russia’s climate picture, noting that the frequency and intensity of weather-related natural events could rise in certain seasons. This context underscores the importance of monitoring official forecasts, staying informed through trusted meteorological sources, and taking practical steps to mitigate risk when extreme cold persists. The current forecast cycle reflects ongoing interactions between atmospheric patterns and regional climate variability, making up-to-date advisories essential for residents and planners alike. Hydrometeorological Center and TASS reports