In an unexpected turn of weather events, Moscow has recently set a new heat record, with temperatures soaring to an unprecedented 24.1 degrees Celsius on April 18, 2025. This remarkable temperature was recorded at the VDNKh reference weather station, surpassing the previous record set in 1921 by exactly two degrees, according to Evgeny Tishkovets, a leading meteorologist at the Phobos weather center. In the heart of the city, on Balchug, temperatures reached 25.1 degrees, while the warmest spots in the Moscow region included Mozhaisk at 25.5 degrees and Serpukhov at 25.6 degrees. This marks the second record-breaking temperature for the month, raising questions about the changing climate patterns in the region.
As the city basks in this summer-like warmth, meteorologists are already warning that this heat wave is short-lived. According to forecasts, a thunderstorm front is set to sweep into Central Russia by Tuesday, April 22, bringing with it a significant drop in temperatures. The forecast indicates that the region will cool down to the April norm, and potentially even below it. By the end of the month, residents can expect notably colder weather, with night temperatures dipping to between 0 and 5 degrees Celsius, and daytime highs struggling to reach 12 degrees.
"This is a strong decrease in temperature," noted Roman Vilfand, the scientific director of the Russian Hydrometeorological Center. He explained that starting April 23, the weather will settle into typical April conditions, which will last until the end of the following week. Nighttime temperatures will hover around 3 to 8 degrees, while daytime temperatures will range from 10 to 15 degrees. This stark contrast from the recent heat wave is expected to surprise many residents.
While the immediate future may bring cooler temperatures, the weekend of April 19 and 20 is anticipated to continue the trend of record heat, with forecasts predicting temperatures to reach 25 degrees. Notably, Saturday is expected to break the record set in 1973 when temperatures reached 23.6 degrees, and Easter Sunday is projected to see a maximum of 24 degrees, marking a 30-year high.
Adding to the weather's unpredictability, Tishkovets mentioned that the appearance of 'white flies' is also possible as the warmer air mixes with the incoming storm front. This phenomenon, while not uncommon in spring, often signifies the transition from warm to cooler weather.
Looking ahead to May, forecasters predict the first week will be relatively cool and humid, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 15 degrees during the day and dipping to between 2 and 7 degrees at night. Rain is also expected, with precipitation levels potentially exceeding the norm by up to 20%. Roman Vilfand noted that while the weekend may see temperatures rise to 24 degrees, the overall trend for early May is one of cooler and wetter conditions.
Interestingly, last year, Moscow experienced an unusual snowfall on Victory Day, raising concerns about the potential for similar weather events this year. However, Vilfand has reassured residents that significant snowfall in early May is unlikely.
As meteorologists continue to monitor the situation, the fluctuating temperatures and unexpected heat records serve as a reminder of the complexities of weather patterns in the region. The upcoming days will be crucial in determining how the rest of the month unfolds, especially with the looming thunderstorm front and the expected cool down.
In summary, while Moscow enjoys an unseasonably warm spell, the forecast suggests a swift return to more typical April conditions, with cooler temperatures and increased precipitation expected in the coming weeks. Residents are advised to prepare for the rapid changes in weather, as spring in Moscow continues to unfold in unpredictable ways.
