St. Petersburg is bracing for a dramatic shift in weather as record high temperatures give way to thunderstorms and heavy rain this weekend. On Saturday, April 19, 2025, the city is expected to experience a warm day with temperatures soaring to between +21 and +23 degrees Celsius, nearing the record high of +21.1 degrees set in 2000. However, by the evening, forecasters predict that stormy weather will roll in, bringing with it short-term, locally heavy rains and thunderstorms.
According to Mikhail Leus, a leading specialist at the Phobos weather center, the main driver for this abrupt change is an atmospheric front moving through the northern regions. He noted in his Telegram channel, "The daily record for the maximum temperature for April 19 is +21.1 degrees, which was recorded in 2000." As the day progresses, temperatures may even reach up to +25.3 degrees, surpassing earlier predictions of +23 and +24 degrees.
"The question of rain and thunderstorms remains open, but they should be expected by night," stated Alexander Kolesov, the chief city forecaster. He confirmed that the temperature record from 2000 will indeed be broken, but warned that typical St. Petersburg weather will return on Sunday, April 20, with temperatures plummeting to between +9 and +11 degrees and persistent rain.
As the atmospheric front approaches, the city will also see an increase in north-westerly winds, expected to reach up to 8 m/s, and a decrease in atmospheric pressure, which will sit at 754 mm Hg—below the average climatic norm. This change in weather is not just a one-day affair; it marks the beginning of a colder trend for the weekend.
Looking ahead, the forecast indicates that from the evening of Saturday to the evening of Sunday, St. Petersburg could receive as much as half a month's worth of rain. This is particularly significant given that the city has already experienced unusually warm weather this April, with temperatures at times exceeding those of Sochi.
In a broader context, the warm spell in St. Petersburg has been attributed to a vast subtropical ridge that has stretched far to the north, creating summer-like conditions. However, as the saying goes, "The higher you rise, the harder you fall." The sudden transition from warmth to cold is a stark reminder of the region's unpredictable climate.
As the city prepares for the impending storms, residents are advised to stay informed and take precautions against potential flooding and severe weather. Kolesov emphasized the importance of monitoring updates as conditions can change rapidly, particularly with the onset of thunderstorms.
In summary, while St. Petersburg enjoys a brief bout of warmth, the forecast suggests that the city will soon return to its more typical, cooler spring weather. With the possibility of thunderstorms and significant rainfall, this weekend is shaping up to be a dramatic one for the Northern capital.
As temperatures dip and rain falls, many will be left wondering how long this wet and chilly spell will last. For now, it seems that the warm days of April may be giving way to the more familiar, cooler climate that St. Petersburg is known for.
