On the night of Sunday, April 6, 2025, the Moscow region was blanketed by heavy snowfall, as the Zion cyclone swept through the area, bringing a stark reminder of winter. Meteorologists have warned that snow accumulation could reach as much as 15 centimeters in some areas, creating challenges for residents and commuters alike.
The air temperature in Moscow dropped to -3 degrees Celsius, further complicating conditions. Evgeny Tishkovets, a leading specialist at the Phobos weather center, reported that the city experienced 3 millimeters of precipitation overnight, while some districts saw up to 15 millimeters. In Naro-Fominsk, 7 millimeters fell; in Kolomna, 9 millimeters; in Serpukhov, 10 millimeters; and in Mikhnevo, a remarkable 15 millimeters was recorded, accounting for about 43% of the average monthly total.
According to Tishkovets, the inclement weather is linked to the wave cyclone currently positioned over Kursk. He stated, "The cyclone 'Zion' brought real winter to Moscow last night. Heavy snow and blizzards are expected throughout the day, with a snow cover ranging from 5 to 10 centimeters." The forecast also indicates that the temperature will fluctuate between 0 and -3 degrees Celsius.
As the snow continued to fall, the Moscow Department of Transport urged residents to utilize public transportation, citing hazardous road conditions. An emergency warning was issued prior to the weekend, alerting citizens to expect cold weather, wet snow, and increased wind speeds. The warning was later upgraded from yellow to orange, indicating a higher level of weather hazard.
In response to the severe weather, car rental services in the capital suspended operations, and municipal services were put on high alert to clear the snow from the streets. Unfortunately, the heavy snowfall led to several major accidents on the roads. In one incident, seven vehicles collided on the 60th kilometer of the Moscow Ring Road (MKAD), although there were no reported casualties.
In addition to road issues, the snowfall caused disruptions at local airports. Rosaviation reported that more than fifteen flights were delayed for over two hours due to the need for additional de-icing of aircraft. Ten flights were also redirected to alternate airports during the morning hours. However, no flight cancellations were reported, and major airports such as Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky continued to operate normally.
As the snowstorm persisted, residents were advised to dress warmly and take precautions when traveling. Tishkovets noted, "Snowfall will continue at least until Tuesday, April 8, 2025, with strong winds and icy conditions expected." The forecast for Monday, April 7, indicates further temperature drops and continued precipitation, with snow expected to blanket the city through the week.
The unpredictable weather has transformed Moscow into a winter wonderland, with citizens rushing to bundle up and special services working diligently to clear the streets. The Ministry of Emergency Situations has been actively monitoring the situation, providing updates and warnings to ensure the safety of residents.
In light of the recent weather events, many are left wondering how the sudden shift back to winter will impact the city’s daily life. With the potential for further snow and icy conditions, the coming days may present additional challenges for Moscow's residents.
As the city grapples with the effects of the Zion cyclone, the resilience of its citizens will be tested once again. The snowfall has not only disrupted travel plans but also reminded everyone of the unpredictability of spring weather in the region.
As the storm continues to unfold, the community is urged to stay informed and prepared for whatever Mother Nature may bring next.
