Russia's December forecast indicates significant variability, particularly as the year draws to a close. Moscow and other major cities brace for bouts of cold weather punctuated by brief warm spells, according to leading meteorologists.
According to Tatiana Pozdnyakova, chief specialist at the information agency Meteonovosti, Moscow is set to experience 'two waves of cold' during the final days of December 2024. This fluctuation is largely influenced by Atlantic cyclones causing erratic temperature patterns.
The city has seen relatively mild weather recently, with predictions of warming temperatures leading up to the New Year celebration. By December 19, temperatures are expected to dip significantly, followed by brief warmer periods over the holidays. "This week's warming will be short-lived,” Pozdnyakova stated, as colder air moves in to dominate conditions again.
Looking at what to expect for December 31, Pozdnyakova notes, “During New Year’s Eve, Moscow might see temperatures around -5 to -10 degrees Celsius.” This cold front follows potential warming trends earlier in the week, where temperatures could reach +1 to +3 degrees, leading to slippery conditions due to ice.
Weather expert Mikhail Leus from the Center for Weather 'Phobos' indicated similar prospects for the New Year’s Eve celebrations, cautioning attendees about expected precipitation. "There will likely be light snowfall and light frosts as the year turns over," he summarized.
Across other cities, forecasts follow suit. Yekaterinburg, for example, is expected to have reasonably comfortable conditions for celebrating the New Year, with forecasts detailing temperatures between -5 and -10 degrees, alongside possibilities for snow. This marks a noticeable deviation from last year's festive conditions, which saw plunging temperatures between -15 to -20 degrees Celsius.
On December 20, Moscow residents can expect snow and freezing rain, emphasizing the return of wintry conditions. The Hydrometeorological Center predicts, “It will be cloudy, with light snow, and occasional rain,” adding uncertainty for travelers and those planning outdoor events.
Saint Petersburg is also bracing for challenging weather, as the expected forecast predictions indicate similar conditions — snow, rain, and icy road conditions as the temperatures fluctuate from mild to frigid.
Looking back, it was noted how December 18, 2022, marked the warmest December recorded, with temperatures soaring up to +8.6 degrees Celsius. Now, various regions are preparing for cold, mirroring historic norms. The coldest days of December were seen on December 18, 1920, with lows reaching -27 degrees Celsius, drawing attention to how weather has changed over the years.
Despite the cold coming back, meteorologists maintain there is no expectation of abnormally warm weather with temperatures exceeding +10 degrees this month.
What does this mean for residents celebrating the New Year? With fluctuated temperatures remaining prominent, both Moscow and Yekaterinburg are set to maintain colder, snow-filled festivities. Pockets of warmth could surprise, but the overarching conditions appear to be predominantly wintry.
So, as Russians prepare to usher in 2025, they will do so wrapped warmly for the colder temperatures, with snow and ice setting the scene for traditional celebrations, albeit with some uncertainties surrounding the weather patterns expected as they turn the calendar.
