Residents of Irkutsk are bracing for a significant weather shift as they approach the Easter holiday. According to Natalya Dombrovskaya, Deputy Head of the Irkutsk Hydrometeorological Center, a brief period of warming will precede a cold snap expected to hit the region over the weekend. On April 17 and 18, daytime temperatures are forecasted to rise to a pleasant 15 to 17 degrees Celsius, with nighttime lows hovering around zero. However, this respite will be short-lived.
As the weekend approaches, a cold cyclone is set to sweep into the area, bringing with it a drastic drop in temperatures. By Saturday, April 19, and continuing through Easter Sunday, April 20, daytime highs are expected to plummet to between 4 and 8 degrees Celsius, while nighttime temperatures could dip between -3 and 3 degrees. Additionally, forecasters warn that winds will intensify, adding to the chill in the air.
This sudden change in weather is not limited to Irkutsk. The Russian Hydrometeorological Center has reported that neighboring cities, including Novosibirsk and Omsk, will also experience unusually low temperatures. On April 18, temperatures in these areas are anticipated to be 4 degrees below the seasonal norm, contributing to a widespread sense of winter’s return in mid-April.
Yandex Weather has echoed these warnings, predicting a stark contrast in temperatures in Irkutsk over a short span. After basking in unseasonably warm weather, with temperatures reaching up to 22 degrees Celsius earlier in the week, residents will see a dramatic shift to a chilly 3 degrees by Saturday. From Tuesday through Friday, temperatures are likely to fluctuate between 10 and 22 degrees Celsius, but the weekend forecast suggests a stark cold snap, with daytime highs dropping to 3 to 5 degrees Celsius and nighttime lows plummeting to around -2 degrees. Snowfall is also a possibility, further illustrating the unpredictable nature of spring weather in the region.
The most significant temperature drop is expected to occur overnight from Friday to Saturday, with a staggering decrease of 15 degrees Celsius in just a few hours. This rapid shift has residents preparing for a return to winter conditions, which is particularly surprising given the recent warm spell.
As the Easter holiday approaches, many in Irkutsk are likely to adjust their plans accordingly, anticipating the colder weather. Local businesses and families may need to rethink outdoor activities or gatherings, as the forecast suggests that the warmth of the preceding days will be replaced by the chill of late winter.
With the unpredictability of spring weather, residents are reminded to stay informed through reliable weather updates. The Irkutsk Hydrometeorological Center and Yandex Weather are both valuable resources for tracking the latest changes in weather patterns, ensuring that citizens are prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store.
As the cold cyclone approaches, it serves as a reminder of the often volatile nature of spring in Siberia. With temperatures swinging dramatically and the potential for snow, residents are urged to dress warmly and take precautions against the brisk winds and cold temperatures that are set to define the Easter weekend.
In summary, Irkutsk is poised for a weather rollercoaster as it transitions from a brief warm spell back to winter-like conditions just in time for the Easter holiday. With temperatures expected to drop significantly and the possibility of snow looming, residents are preparing for a chilly celebration.
