Today : Jan 21, 2025
Local News
21 January 2025

Novosibirsk Faces Extreme Weather Swings This Week

Temperatures to plunge to -30 degrees amid reports of ice and slush hazards on roads.

Novosibirsk is bracing for dramatic shifts in its weather, with forecasts predicting extreme temperature fluctuations over the coming days, as local meteorologists warn residents to prepare for bitter cold coupled with brief periods of unseasonable warmth.

According to KP-Novosibirsk, temperatures will plummet to as low as -30 degrees Celsius in certain areas on January 23, 2024. Natalya Kichanova, head of the monitoring department at the Western Siberian Hydrometeorological Center, reported, "Temperatures may drop to -30 degrees Celsius in certain areas on January 23." For the city itself, the forecast shows temperatures dropping to -20 to -23 degrees during this cold snap.

The cold weather is expected to last only for a day, as forecasts indicate a brief warming spell will return shortly thereafter. Specifically, from January 26, temperatures are predicted to hover between -12 and -16 degrees during the day, with nighttime lows potentially reaching as deep as -25 degrees.

The dramatic weather shifts have prompted local authorities to issue warnings to drivers. The GKU NSO CODD stated, "The GKU NSO CODD warns drivers to be careful due to the slippery roads caused by daytime melting and nighttime freezing." The combination of rain and snow, along with nighttime cold, is expected to lead to hazardous driving conditions with ice forming on roadways.

Meanwhile, the days leading up to this severe cold spell will see temperatures climb anomalously. From January 20 to January 22, daytime temperatures are expected to remain just at or above the freezing mark, fluctuated from -1 to +1 degree, accompanied by snowfall and rain. Such conditions are unusual for this time of year and raise concerns over ice formation.

Weather experts highlighted the potential risks associated with these varying temperatures, advising residents to remain vigilant. Motorists are urged to maintain adequate distances and adhere to speed limits to avoid accidents on icy patches. Local authorities have been alert to incidents of accidents due to the treacherous weather, with recent news highlighting severe incidents resulting from icy conditions.

On January 21, significant warming is expected, with temperatures fluctuated from -2 to -4 degrees overnight, and daytime highs possibly reaching 0 to -2 degrees, as reported earlier by KP-Novosibirsk. Residents should anticipate cloudy conditions with the potential for light snowfall and rain mixed with snow during the day. This warming will prompt concerns over ice formation as well, as wet roads can quickly freeze once temperatures drop again.

Driving safety should be at the top of the agenda during this erratic weather pattern, especially with the forecasted winds from the south and southwest predicted to be between 5 and 11 m/s, potentially aggravate road conditions.

Weather services predict this unpredictable winter weather will continue through the week, with nighttime lows expected to fall again sharply as we approach the end of January. It is worth noting to previous advisories on January 21, cautioning about the dangers of icy road conditions, as varying temperatures lead to the likelihood of icy build-up.

Experts are keeping close tabs on the coming week to gauge how these temperature variations might affect daily life for Novosibirsk residents and surrounding areas. There are concerns over the longer-term weather patterns as regions face both unseasonably warm conditions and sharp transitions to severe winter temperatures.

All Novosibirsk residents are encouraged to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and heed all safety warnings to navigate these hazardous conditions effectively. While warmth may briefly relieve the icy grip of winter, the following drops could lead residents back to severe winter challenges.