Frosts Down to -20 Expected in St. Petersburg

Tuesday, January 20, was the warmest day in St. Petersburg since the start of the year. The average daily air temperature reached -1.9 degrees Celsius (29°F), and the maximum daytime temperature was -0.8 degrees Celsius (31°F).

However, as reported on January 21 by the city«s chief forecaster Alexander Kolesov in his Telegram channel, the warm period was short-lived.

But it was just one day, today is already much colder and the average daily temperature will approach the norm (today it is -5.2 degrees Celsius (23°F)).

On the morning of January 21, the city observed -4.6 degrees Celsius (24°F). In the first half of the day, the temperature will hold around -4 degrees Celsius (25°F), after which it will begin to drop.

The cooling is expected to be rapid: likely, as early as tomorrow, the average daily temperature will decrease by 5 degrees Celsius.

Kolesov pointed to the forecast for night temperatures:

The average background of night temperature in St. Petersburg on January 22 is -10 degrees Celsius (14°F), on January 23 -15 degrees Celsius (5°F), from January 24 and down to -20 degrees Celsius (-4°F) a decrease is likely. During the daytime hours, the city is slightly warmer, as a small diurnal range, about 5 degrees, will be observed.

On January 21, many clouds remain in the sky, with possible snowflakes in places. From January 22, precipitation will cease, and the appearance of sun is expected.

The forecaster also noted windy weather:

Also, the wind should be noted. While an anticyclone is invading from the east with frosts, the wind will be unpleasant, quite fresh today and tomorrow. The main wind direction is eastern, with a speed of 3-8 m/s, but already by tomorrow evening with the establishment of frosty weather, the wind will weaken.

According to preliminary estimates, the frosty period will last until January 27. After that, the temperature should rise to about -10 degrees Celsius (14°F), but subsequently, the cold is likely to return.