Yekaterinburg Empties as -30°C Frost Closes Ice Rink

Yekaterinburg is enduring severe cold with temperatures plummeting below -30°C (-22°F), leading to a deserted city center and a closed ice rink.

Feb 1, 2026

Residents bundle up in fur coats to withstand the bitter cold sweeping through Yekaterinburg.
Source:
Vladislav Lonshakov / E1.RU

On January 22, the temperature in Yekaterinburg dropped below -30 degrees Celsius (-22°F). Residents were freezing not only outside but also on public transport. E1.RU photographer Vladislav Lonshakov walked around the center and took atmospheric shots (we recommend wrapping yourself in a warm blanket while viewing!).

The popular ice rink on 1905 Square has shut down because of the extreme frost.
Source:
Vladislav Lonshakov / E1.RU

Due to the severe frost, the city seemed deserted: the ice rink on 1905 Square is not operating. A sign at the entrance says the rink is closed until January 23.

Decorative barrels block the entrance to the closed skating rink during the cold snap.
Source:
Vladislav Lonshakov / E1.RU

Despite the cold, work continues at the ice town in Historical Square. We recently showed what remains of the New Year«s site.

Officials say the rink will reopen once the prolonged period of sub-zero temperatures ends.
Source:
Vladislav Lonshakov / E1.RU

On the Plotinka, ducks are doing their best to survive the frost. Concerned residents are feeding them treats.

Despite the harsh cold, crews are removing the New Year«s ice installations in Historical Square.
Source:
Vladislav Lonshakov / E1.RU

Check out a few more frosty shots!

Soon, all traces of the festive New Year«s decorations will be gone from Historical Square.
Source:
Vladislav Lonshakov / E1.RU

Forecasters say the cold was brought by an anticyclone. And the -30-degree temperature in the Urals will persist in the coming days, until Saturday, January 24. We are covering how Yekaterinburg endured today«s frost in real-time online.