St. Petersburg frosts intensify, -23°C expected by weekend

A cold air mass from the east caused temperatures in St. Petersburg to drop to -10°C (14°F) on the morning of January 22. According to the city«s chief forecaster Alexander Kolesov, the frosts will intensify.

Today and tomorrow, thermometers are expected to show -13 to -18°C (9 to 0°F). The peak of the cold snap is forecast for the upcoming weekend, when the air could cool to -18 to -23°C (0 to -9°F).

The forecaster noted daily fluctuations: «I remind you that during the daytime there will be a slight increase in air temperature, as a daily variation of several degrees between night and day will be observed.»

The weather is determined by an anticyclone, providing high atmospheric pressure — about 771–772 mmHg (up to 1030 hPa). Precipitation is hardly expected, the sun will appear, and the east wind will weaken, making the weather more comfortable.

A weakening of the frosts is likely by January 27 with the approach of a cyclone and snowfall. However, as Alexander Kolesov adds, «the confrontation between the cold and warm air will continue, and who will win, we will have to watch further.»