Moscow is poised to experience one of the warmest January months on record, with temperatures expected to exceed the normal by approximately 1 degree Celsius. According to Rоman Wilfand, the head of the Russian Hydrometeorological Center, January 2025 may place second among the warmest Januarys ever recorded, trailing only January 2020, which was the hottest with an average temperature of 0 degrees.
Reports indicate the variations are part of continued climate anomalies influencing the region. Wilfand specified, "This month may rank second among the warmest Januarys on record," advocating for the unusual warmth as citizens prepare for the changing weather.
The data shows current temperature averages fluctuate, hovering around -2 to 0 degrees Celsius during the day, with meteorologists predicting significant increases as the month progresses. For example, as summarized by meteorologist Alexander Ilyin, temperatures during the last weekend of January 2025 could reach 5 degrees during the day.
Alongside these warmer temperatures, experts have expressed concerns over road safety due to potential ice formation. Ilyin stated, "Ice patches will form, so caution is advised on the roads," urging residents to stay vigilant against slippery conditions during the thawing periods.
Interestingly, this phenomenon isn’t isolated to Moscow; it extends to other traditionally colder regions. For example, even Yakutia, known for its severe winters, is seeing temperatures significantly higher than normal, with increases ranging between 15-20 degrees from climatic norms, as noted by weather experts.
Looking forward, February also appears to pose challenges for those expecting idyllic winter conditions. Evgeny Tishkovets, from the Fobos weather center, mentioned, "Unfortunately, I do not foresee the winter reclaiming its stronghold," hinting at continued mild weather for the month. The predictions suggest temperatures may remain at least 3 - 5 degrees higher than usual.
With snowfall expected this January, meteorologists caution about the swift melting of snow due to warming. Discussions have also emerged about the potential for low snowfall accumulation ranging from 30% to 40% below normal levels for Central Russia, which could impact both agriculture and water supplies later.
Many are wondering how this will affect seasonal trends — with the weather being aptly described as "anomalous." Wilfand elaborated, "Until the end of the month, we’re still tracking temperatures above the norm, but we might not see the classic winter scene all residents have come to expect. The usual snowy aesthetic may not meet our eyes this winter."
Heading through the remaining days of January, the weather will continue its back and forth with warm spells mixing with cold fronts, which could see temperatures fluctuate dramatically. Overall, the warm weather trend seems set to persist, encouraging Moscow residents to rethink their winter wardrobes and prepare for the drastic weather shifts yet to come.