Goodbye, Health: Volgograd Warns of Sharp Warming and Ice

Forecasters from the Volgograd Center for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring (TsGMS) have warned of an imminent end to extreme frosts and a sharp warming. The change in weather will be accompanied by precipitation and black ice.

According to forecasters, on 6 February no significant precipitation is expected, but rime is possible in some areas. The wind will change and strengthen. If at night air currents will move from the east at gusts of 8–13 m/s, then by morning the wind will shift to the southeast and strengthen to 11–14 m/s. In the north of the region, temperatures at night will be 21–26 below zero (−6 to −15°F), locally down to −31°C (−24°F), and in some areas up to −35°C (−31°F). In the south of the region, temperatures will be 14–19 below zero (7 to −2°F), locally 21–26 below (−6 to −15°F). During the day, thermometers will show 12–17 below zero (10 to 1°F), in the south up to −10°C (14°F).

On Saturday, 7 February, the weather will begin to change. In some areas, light precipitation in the form of snow and snow with rain is possible, with fog, black ice, icy roads, and snow drifts expected. Blowing snow is also possible. At night, temperatures will range from 16 to 21 below zero (3 to −6°F), locally from 8 to 13 below zero (18 to 9°F), during the day from 0 to −5°C (32 to 23°F), locally from 5 to 10 below zero (23 to 14°F).

On Sunday, 8 February, at night in the west of the Volgograd region, light to moderate precipitation in the form of snow, snow with rain, and drizzle is expected, while in the east no precipitation is forecast. During the day, precipitation in the form of drizzle, snow with rain, and snow is possible. Fog, black ice, and icy roads cannot be ruled out in some places. The southeast wind will shift to the southwest, with gusts reaching 12 m/s. At night, temperatures will range from 7 to 12 below zero (19 to 10°F), in some areas from 2 to 7 below zero (28 to 19°F), during the day from 2 to 7 below zero (28 to 19°F), locally up to +1°C (34°F).

In Volgograd on Friday, 6 February, no significant precipitation, with icy roads and snow drifts. At night, 20–22 below zero (−4 to −8°F), during the day 10–12 below zero (14 to 10°F).

On 7 February, forecasters predict fog, black ice, icy roads, and snow drifts. The temperature will rise significantly — at night only −12°C (10°F), during the day −5°C (23°F).

8 February will be even warmer. At night, no precipitation is expected in the city, during the day snow, drizzle, fog, black ice, and icy roads are possible. At night −8°C (18°F), during the day −3°C (27°F).

Space weather will also be unsettled — geomagnetic disturbances are expected in the coming days, but only on 6 February will it reach the strength of a magnetic storm.

It is worth recalling that doctors warn of the deadly danger of temperature swings. This can lead to exacerbation of chronic cardiovascular diseases and even death.