Kolesov Predicts Frosts Below -20°C in St. Petersburg

The forecast of approaching severe frosts was presented by St. Petersburg«s chief meteorologist Alexander Kolesov. In his post, he noted with a hint of irony that not only he, but also the monument to legendary navigator Ivan Fedorovich Kruzenshtern, installed on Lieutenant Schmidt Embankment, keeps round-the-clock watch on the weather.

On February 4, Kolesov wrote on his Telegram channel: «In the morning I walk by, Ivan Fedorovich is standing there, thinking. Probably like: — «What»s this again… frosts, is it? Yes, more frosts ahead.«» According to him, in the coming day, with cloud cover and light snow, the temperature in the city will stay at -12…-14 °C (10…7 °F) at night and -9…-11 °C (16…12 °F) during the day. However, with possible clearing, the mercury could drop to -17…-19 °C (1…-2 °F).

The meteorologist explained that the next two nights are expected to be especially cold due to forecast clearing. On Friday, February 6, in the center of St. Petersburg the temperature will be -16…-18 °C (3…0 °F), and in the suburbs — below -20 °C (-4 °F). By Sunday it will get a little warmer: at night -15…-17 °C (5…1 °F), during the day -10…-12 °C (14…10 °F). The wind will die down, so the cold will not feel as strong as at the beginning of the week.

In the future, according to Kolesov«s forecasts, the temperature in St. Petersburg will fluctuate in the range of -5…-10 °C (23…14 °F). Nevertheless, the meteorologist does not rule out new waves of frosty weather in the near future.