The Bryansk region is currently experiencing some of the most severe cold temperatures recorded at the beginning of spring, having found itself enveloped in what meteorologists have termed a ‘radiation cold’ phenomenon. On the night of March 16, 2025, temperatures plummeted to -8.6 degrees Celsius (16.53 degrees Fahrenheit), marking the coldest night of March to date and affecting not only Bryansk but also many of its central Russian neighbors.
Evgeny Tishkovets, a leading specialist at the Phobos Weather Center, confirmed this chilling event, explaining, "On the night of March 16, the temperature dropped to -8.6 degrees Celsius." He indicated the cause of this drastic weather shift includes clear skies along with intense radiative cooling, which allows heat to escape rapidly from the Earth after sunset.
The Bryansk region found itself caught within this ‘bag’ of cold, which has seen other regions also report harsh temperatures: Tula and Ryazan experienced drops to -12.5 degrees Celsius, Kaluga saw even lower readings at -13.6 degrees Celsius, and Smolensk temperatures dipped to -9.8 degrees Celsius.
Tishkovets was clear about the unusual nature of this weather pattern, stating, "The cold weather is due to clear skies and intense radiation cooling." He remarked particularly on the significance of this unusually cold phenomenon, especially considering past weather predictions which had anticipated milder conditions of only dropping to -7 degrees Celsius. "Frosty nights will continue for the next few days," he added, indicating residents should prepare for continued chilly overnight temperatures.
The distinctive conditions leading to such severe cold are attributed to the minimal cloud cover prevalent during these nights, allowing for what meteorologists refer to as effective radiative cooling—a meteorological term implying lowered temperatures at lower atmospheric surfaces largely due to the efficient re-emission of heat after being absorbed during daylight hours.
While the central areas of Russia are enduring these frosty nights, locals may find this extreme temperature drop reminiscent of previous situations faced, particularly those who vividly recall the catastrophic events of 1986—a time when the broader regions were affected significantly. Yet, Tishkovets reassured residents, "This terminology of 'radiation cold' is purely meteorological and speaks to the lower temperature phenomena instead of anything hazardous or concerning, particularly for those living here. “
Indeed, the residents of Bryansk may also take solace knowing these cold snaps are not uncommon at this time of year, typically characterized by fluctuated weather before the clear establishment of spring.
Looking forward, meteorologists anticipate the effects of yet another cold atmospheric front sweeping over Central Russia, which will create chances for continued chilly weather. The cold will persist for several days, and forecasters continue to monitor the situation closely
Such weather conditions have been underscored by previous events where warmer temperatures tend to mislead residents to believe winter's grip was loosening; it is not, as Tishkovets has noted repeatedly. So even as previous forecasts promised warmer days, they must adapt to the ever-changing and often unpredictable nature of spring weather.
The stark conditions over Bryansk and the surrounding regions provide ample proof of the sometimes harsh duality inherent to the changing seasons, reminding residents to stay vigilant and prepared for whatever nature might bring next.