Residents of Moscow are bracing themselves for tumultuous weather changes as forecasts predict both strong storms and significant temperature drops beginning Thursday, March 13, 2025. According to Metrochanals’ weather service, the capital will experience mostly clear skies initially, with daytime temperatures ranging from 14 to 16 degrees Celsius. By nighttime, temperatures will drop considerably to around 8 degrees Celsius.
Come March 14, the Moscow region is set to face the brunt of severe weather. A strong storm, characterized as having winds of up to 23 meters per second, is predicted to hit the city between 3 PM and 6 PM. Evgeny Tishkovets, a lead specialist at the Phobos weather center, highlighted the incoming storm's intensity, equalling nine points on the Beaufort scale, which categorizes wind strength based on its effects on the environment.
This anticipated storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall along with strong winds, likely leading to hazardous conditions. "Winds of this strength can easily tear off roofs, break branches, and pose serious risks to outdoor structures," Tishkovets warned. It is predicted this storm could result in the highest rainfall the area has seen this spring.
Compounding the challenges, the Chelyabinsk region will also face heavy downpours until March 18, 2025. While residents there prepare for persistent rain and wet snow, Moscow’s situation is growing dire as visibility decreases to approximately one kilometer due to rainfall and strong winds.
Weather experts recommend residents take precautions during these tumultuous weather patterns. Officials urge avoiding trees and flimsy structures, especially during peak storm conditions. With conditions worsening, people are advised to stay indoors wherever possible and to avoid parking vehicles under trees or near other potentially dangerous objects.
Later forecasts indicate the weather will take another turn as the cyclone currently affecting the region shifts east, allowing colder air masses to cascade down from the northwest. Subsequently, temperatures are set to drop by up to 7-8 degrees Celsius over the weekend. Overnight temperatures from March 15 will reach near freezing, with predictions of frosts dropping to anywhere between -1 and -6 degrees Celsius.
Saturday, March 15, will see Moscow's daytime temperatures between 3 to 5 degrees Celsius and might hit slightly warmer conditions depending on cloud cover. Although temperatures will remain above climate norms, the pervasive cold snap will crush any remnants of the recent mild weather, extinguishing hopes of early spring warmth.
Rain is also expected, with meteorologists stating the precipitation may include mixed showers as Saturday progresses. By Sunday, the forecast still suggests cool averages of 3 to 5 degrees Celsius accompanied by occasional frosts. Such fluctuative temperatures showcase the volatile nature of early spring weather, where warmth can suddenly shift to frigid conditions.
The forecast for the future is unclear, with meteorologists warning against any expectations of extraordinarily warm weather returning soon. The push for seasonal stability seems distant with these sharp temperature changes looming overhead.
For the residents of Moscow and the surrounding regions, the coming days require caution and preparedness as increasingly hazardous weather conditions threaten to disrupt daily life. Following the weather warnings can mean the difference between safety and disaster as storms rage and temperatures plummet.