Severe weather is set to hit Taganrog and the broader Rostov Oblast, with locals bracing for rain, snow, and ice accumulations starting this weekend. Meteorologists forecast treacherous conditions, warning residents of deteriorated visibility and significant temperature fluctuations.
On Monday, February 3, weather forecasts indicated incoming precipitation throughout the day, with temperatures fluctuated around freezing. Meteorologists expect rain to transition to wet snow as the day progresses, with highs reaching just +1°C. The forecast predicts weak winds, but should increase by midweek.
The worst of the weather is anticipated to strike on February 4, when icy rain and wet snow will blanket western areas, including the city of Taganrog. This will extend to the northern regions such as Sholokhovsky and Millerovsky, where strong winds of up to 18 meters per second may pose additional hazards. "Ice rain and wet snow will cover the western areas of Rostov Oblast, including Taganrog," stated local meteorological authorities on February 3.
Driving conditions are projected to worsen significantly—local officials have issued advisories urging caution, noting, "Drivers must be especially careful on the roads" due to poor visibility potentially dropping to as low as 500 meters. Accumulations of wet snow on power lines and trees could lead to additional risks for the community.
Initially, the weather will see milder conditions on February 3, with temperatures ranging from +3°C to +5°C throughout the day under cloudy skies. But as the night falls, those temperatures will plummet, with lows reaching down to -4°C, setting the stage for increasing cold air associated with the weather system.
The next day, conditions continue to worsen with forecasts expecting daytime temperatures hovering around 0°C to +1°C along with persistent snowfall. Nighttime temperatures are expected to dip below freezing again, emphasizing the trend of sharply fluctuated day and night conditions.
Following these forecasts, meteorologists are closely watching the situation as there are strong indications of icing on roads and pathways. The weather conditions have prompted warnings about the potential for ice to accumulate overnight and on the following nights down to -12 °C, especially considering the region's earlier forecasts of increased precipitation. Those living near the sea, particularly by the Taganrog Bay, might witness the formation of ice during this cold stretch as early as February 4.
Looking toward February 6 and beyond, trends indicate the weather will show no signs of letting up with wet snow persisting throughout the week. Meteorologists predict similar weather conditions observed on February 3 to recur on February 5 and February 6, with warning signs about potential freezing fog, complicates already hazardous conditions.
By February 7, the precipitation is expected to taper off but the icy conditions may linger, posing continual risks. Residents should watch for updates and heed local advisories to manage the impacts of severe winter weather.
The community must remain vigilant to navigate these extreme weather changes. With forecasts indicating continued chilly temperatures throughout February and amounts of precipitation above historical averages, locals will need to prepare for intense winter conditions.