Severe weather conditions are gripping Novosibirsk and the surrounding areas, with forecasts predicting temperatures plummeting to as low as -33°C. This sudden chill follows a brief period of milder weather, where thermometers balanced at 0°C. The West Siberian Hydrometeorological Center warned residents to brace for what seems to be one of the coldest snaps of the season.
According to reports, by 7 AM on January 23, Novosibirsk registered -21°C, with consistent western winds blowing at around 3 meters per second. The meteorological conditions include predominantly dry weather with occasional patches of intense icy conditions on the roads. Officials caution residents about the perilous nature of travel under the impending weather patterns.
Weather specialists predict the city will face temperatures between -20°C and -22°C, with nighttime lows plunging to -27°C and even lower, especially in suburban areas. The West Siberian Hydrometeorological Center indicated on its website the potential for dangerous weather phenomena across Western Siberia, with heavy snowfall expected, accompanied by winds gusting up to 25 meters per second.
The General Department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MChS) has declared emergency warnings for Novosibirsk, advising citizens to avoid travel whenever possible and to stay away from loose structures such as billboards, which may become hazards during high winds. Residents coddled by the previous mild conditions are urged to wear sturdy shoes and prepare for the sudden shift to treacherous winter conditions.
Local authorities emphasized heightened risks including fires in private homes and communities, stemming from unsafe handling of heating equipment amid severe cold. And with travel restrictions enforced on key routes, including the K-17r "Novosibirsk – Kochki – Pavlodar" highway where visibility drastically decreased due to snowfall and blizzards, the MChS recommends using public transport over personal vehicles when considering longer journeys.
With forecasts promising relentless cold through the next days, the icy grip of winter has affected city operations, leading to numerous reports of downed trees, fallen power lines, and traffic complications. The director of the local grid operator noted significant interruptions, with over 130 failures recorded as wind squalls wreaked havoc on electrical infrastructure.
Authorities continue to remind all citizens of the importance of heeding warnings from meteorological services and taking every precaution when venturing outdoors. They advised local residents to check their heating sources, check the functionality of their vehicles, and to carry emergency supplies, including charged mobile phones, should they need assistance.
Failing to prepare for these harsh conditions could lead to dangerous situations, as several New Siberians have already experienced incidents of falling branches and other weather-related disruptions. Just on the morning of January 22, numerous calls were made to emergency services reporting fallen trees and debris caused by high wind conditions.
Local transportation services reported on January 22 the full suspension of heavy vehicle traffic, particularly trucks and buses traveling to cities like Omsk and Pavlodar due to unsafe conditions exacerbated by overhanging ice and snow drifts across the roads.
Looking forward, the citizens of Novosibirsk are urged to remain vigilant. The extreme volatility of winter weather has already made it evident how drastically conditions can change within hours. The region’s official plea is clear: prepare fully and stay closely tuned to local broadcasts for the most current weather updates to navigate through one of the harshest winters present.