Surgut, Russia, is facing severe cold weather conditions as of January 31, 2025, with night temperatures plunging as low as -43 degrees Celsius and daytime temperatures ranging from -20 to -30 degrees. This harsh weather prompted the administration to announce the cancellation of classes for grades 1 to 4 due to safety concerns.
The official statement from the administration on the morning of January 31 clarified, "Today, January 31, classes for grades 1-4 are cancelled due to low air temperatures." This decision reflects the growing concern for the health and safety of children during extremely low temperatures.
But the cold isn’t the only issue troubling Surgut. Local authorities have raised alarms over significant roadway issues caused by heavy snow accumulation. Over the past month, about 500 complaints have been logged against road maintenance workers for failing to adequately address snow handling. Anna Korshunova, Deputy Director of the Department of Municipal Services, pointed out, “There are regulatory documents dictifying the maximum snow pile size along roads,” emphasizing the regulatory failures leading to these conditions.
Motorists have reported encountering narrowed roadways, with many streets transitioning from three lanes down to two or less due to snow pushed to the sides. This has resulted in traffic congestion even during non-peak hours. The current situation has been exacerbated by the recent warm weather, which delayed snow removal efforts as snow storage sites became overwhelmed and unable to accept more snow.
Maxim Kaltymov, head of the road works department for Surgut, elaborated on the challenges his team is facing: “We are working within the timelines for cleaning the roads and pedestrian areas, which are our responsibility.” Despite the efforts, the workload is substantial due to the snow management issues, and many areas had not been cleared within the expected weekly schedule.
According to reports from the Khanty-Mansiysk Center for Hydrometeorology, temperatures are expected to remain frigid, with most regions experiencing highs of -20 to -25 degrees during the day. While western regions may see temperatures rise to around -12 degrees, eastern areas could suffer even lower, plunging to -33 degrees C.
Each day presents new concerns for residents, especially as children remain home due to school cancellations. Parents are left to navigate these weather challenges, balancing their children's safety with daily responsibilities. Local schools have issued communications urging families to stay warm and safe during this cold spell, reiteratively stating the deteriorated conditions pose significant risks.
The complications arising from this weather have drawn attention to road management practices across the city. While the city claims to have enough equipment to manage snow removal, there have been continual reports of inadequate clearing of streets and pedestrian areas, which are supposed to be cleared at least once a week. The backlog and substantial snow piles have created hazardous situations for drivers and pedestrians alike.
The conditions are now prompting stricter responses from the local government, which may include financial penalties for those responsible for maintaining roads. This includes sanctions against crews clearing sidewalks yet depositing snow at pedestrian crossings, obstructing visibility for both pedestrians and drivers.
The city council is under pressure to reevaluate its response to snow management and is urging more comprehensive strategies to prevent the backlog of snow removal from happening again. The focus is on accountability and timely responses moving forward, ensuring public safety remains the top priority.
With more frigid days forecasted, residents are advised to prepare accordingly. Winter is still very much here, and as Soviets have noted historically, adaptability and resilience will be key as Surgut manages this bitter cold and the complications it brings.