Forecasters warn of severe cold snap in Moscow and region

Moscow and the surrounding region are bracing for a severe cold snap. Forecasters predict temperatures will drop significantly by the end of the week, falling well below seasonal norms.

Jan 24, 2026

Weather services predict a significant drop in temperatures across the Moscow region in the coming days.
Source:
Artem Ustyuzhanin / MSK1.RU

Severe frosts are moving towards Moscow and the region. According to forecasters from the weather center «Fobos», it will be cloudy in Moscow today with occasional light snow. The air temperature will not drop below -5...-7 degrees Celsius (23...19°F) in the capital and will hover around -4...-9 degrees Celsius (25...16°F) in the Moscow region.

«But starting tomorrow, the snow clouds will disperse and the cooling will begin. By the end of the week, daytime temperatures will be -12...-15 degrees Celsius (10...5°F). This temperature range is 8–11 degrees below the norm,» the report states.

Forecasters also note that there is no talk of -30 degree Celsius (-22°F) frosts at the moment, but the forecasts may be adjusted slightly.

According to the service «Pogoda MSK1», the cold will arrive in the capital over the weekend. On Saturday, January 24, temperatures are expected to drop to -21 degrees Celsius (-6°F). On Sunday, January 25, it will cool down to -25 degrees Celsius (-13°F). After that, temperatures will begin to rise slightly next week.

Also, Muscovites will soon be able to see a planetary alignment — a rare astronomical phenomenon discussed by both scientists and astrologers.