Today : Apr 28, 2025
28 April 2025

Moscow Braces For Cold Snap As April Ends

Residents prepare for unusually low temperatures and rain during May holidays

As Moscow transitions into the final days of April, residents are bracing for a notable shift in weather patterns, with the capital region currently situated on the northeastern edge of an anticyclone centered over Ukraine. This positioning is expected to bring cold temperatures and variable cloudiness, with no significant precipitation anticipated.

On Monday, April 28, 2025, the maximum air temperature in Moscow is projected to reach only 10 to 12 degrees Celsius, while the surrounding region will experience slightly cooler conditions, ranging from 8 to 13 degrees. Winds will be blowing from the northwest at speeds of 5 to 10 meters per second, with gusts potentially reaching up to 14 meters per second in certain areas. The atmospheric pressure is expected to be around 755 mm Hg, with a relative humidity of 35%. Cold weather will persist, and fluctuations in atmospheric pressure, combined with a normal oxygen content, are anticipated.

Health experts caution that such weather conditions may trigger meteorological reactions and general discomfort for sensitive individuals. Those prone to migraines, neurocirculatory asthenia, vegetative disorders, and fluctuations in blood pressure should be particularly vigilant. Recommendations include monitoring arterial pressure, avoiding sudden changes, and adhering to prescribed medications. At-home remedies such as hot drinks, neck massages, and contrast showers can help alleviate symptoms. A contrast shower should start with warm water, gradually increasing the temperature difference, and conclude with warm water at 35-36 degrees Celsius. Additionally, general baths with sea salt or melissa herb taken 1.5 to 2 hours before sleep, at a water temperature of 36-37 degrees, can improve overall well-being and reduce fatigue.

As the night falls on April 28, temperatures are expected to drop to between 4 and 6 degrees Celsius, with the possibility of light rain in some areas. Wind gusts may reach up to 18 meters per second, particularly during the evening hours. Looking ahead, the forecast for Tuesday, April 29, indicates that daytime temperatures will only reach between 8 and 10 degrees, with persistent cloudy skies and occasional rain. Winds will shift to the southwest, maintaining gusts up to 18 meters per second, while nighttime temperatures will hover between 1 and 6 degrees.

By Wednesday, April 30, there is a slight uptick in temperatures, with expectations of reaching between 10 and 15 degrees during the day. Cloudy weather will continue, and light rain may still occur. Nighttime temperatures will remain positive, ranging from 2 to 5 degrees, with winds calming to 2 to 7 meters per second from the northwest.

As the calendar flips to May, Moscow will find itself under the influence of a cyclone moving in from the Baltic States. This shift will introduce a period of cloudy and rainy weather, with daytime temperatures expected to range from 11 to 16 degrees, while nighttime temperatures will drop to between 1 and 6 degrees. The first days of May, specifically from May 1 to May 4, are predicted to be particularly unpleasant for those hoping to enjoy outdoor activities, as temperatures are expected to be lower than usual for this time of year, with increased precipitation.

Experts predict that the amount of rainfall could exceed normal levels by approximately 20%, making the early days of May abnormally wet and cool. However, there is hope on the horizon as the second half of the holiday week, from May 8 to May 11, is expected to bring a gradual warming trend, with daytime temperatures potentially rising to between 13 and 18 degrees. This change will also see a decrease in precipitation, creating more favorable conditions for outdoor recreation.

Previously, residents of Moscow enjoyed a brief taste of summer warmth earlier in April. On April 21, temperatures soared to a remarkable 24.9 degrees Celsius in the VDNKh area, breaking a 30-year record. Unfortunately, this warm spell was short-lived, as the region quickly reverted to cooler, windier, and rainier weather.

Historically, the weather in early May can be quite unpredictable. The coldest May 1 on record occurred in 1902, when temperatures plummeted to -6 degrees Celsius. More recently, on Victory Day in 2017, the temperature reached a historical low of only 4.6 degrees. For context, May 1 in 2024 saw a pleasant 17 degrees, while 2023 experienced 8 degrees and 2019 recorded 15 degrees.

As the heating season typically concludes between late April and mid-May, the unusually cold start to May 2025 may lead to adjustments in the timing of heating shutdowns across the city. Residents are advised to stay informed and prepared as they navigate this unpredictable weather period.