As the powerful cyclone named Zion approaches, residents of Moscow and the surrounding central Russia are bracing for a dramatic return of winter weather. Meteorologist Evgeny Tishkovets from the Phobos weather center announced on April 6, 2025, that the Moscow region would be significantly affected by this cyclone, bringing with it a warm atmospheric front and heavy snowfall from the southwest.
The forecast predicts a substantial amount of precipitation, with Tishkovets estimating that snowfall could reach up to 120% of the monthly norm in just one day. Specifically, the expected amount of snow could total 28 mm on Sunday, April 6, with an additional 15 mm anticipated by Monday morning, April 7. This is particularly notable as the average monthly precipitation for April is only 37 mm, meaning this storm could bring in more than double the usual amount.
As the storm progresses, heavy snow will commence early Sunday morning and continue throughout the day, peaking in intensity by 9 a.m. on Monday. Tishkovets warned that these conditions could lead to blizzard-like situations, with north-eastern winds expected to increase to 15–20 m/s, reducing visibility to as low as 150 meters at times.
In addition to the snowfall, residents should prepare for icy conditions on the roads, as the thickness of the ice crust could reach 2–5 mm. There is also a risk of freezing rain around midnight on April 7, which could further complicate travel for both drivers and pedestrians.
“We are dealing with a rare meteorological phenomenon,” Tishkovets stated, “where humidity reaches extreme values alongside heavy precipitation and wind. This creates particularly uncomfortable conditions for people, leading to what we call 'wind-chill temperature,' where we feel the cold much more strongly than the thermometers indicate.”
Authorities have declared a yellow level of danger for Moscow, effective from the night of April 6 through April 7, as they prepare for the impending weather collapse. The Hydrometeorological Center of Russia has warned that residents can expect strong winds and significant snowfall, leading to dangerous conditions on the roads.
In Yaroslavl, however, the situation appears to be slightly different. According to local meteorologists, while the Yaroslavl region will not experience the same level of snowfall on April 6, residents should still prepare for cold and windy conditions, with gusts reaching 7–12 m/s. The temperature is expected to hover between -8 and 5 degrees Celsius during the day.
Snowfall in Yaroslavl is predicted to begin early next week, with moderate snow and icy conditions expected from April 7 to 9. This pattern will include daytime temperatures ranging from -2 to +3 degrees, with nighttime lows dipping down to -7 degrees. By the end of the week, temperatures are expected to rise slightly, transitioning from snow to rain.
As the cyclone Zion continues to develop, municipal services in Moscow have been placed on high alert, with city officials deploying snow removal equipment to manage the expected accumulation. Citizens are advised to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, especially during peak snowfall hours, to avoid hazardous travel conditions.
Officials are also urging residents to take precautions, such as parking vehicles in garages to facilitate snow removal efforts and staying informed about potential disruptions to public transport and power outages in certain areas.
With the last significant cyclone of this magnitude hitting Moscow more than five years ago, experts are emphasizing the importance of preparedness. “In the coming days, we will see a true winter storm,” Tishkovets remarked. “This is a rare event that warrants serious caution.”
As the storm unfolds, the effects of cyclone Zion will be felt across central Russia, disrupting daily life and reminding residents that winter is not yet over.
