Explanation for Omsk's unusually cold January

Natalia Krivoruchko, head of the Ob-Irtysh Hydrometeorological Center, outlined the reasons for the abnormal frosts that have settled in Omsk Oblast in mid-January during a briefing today.

According to Omsk«s chief weather forecaster, the term »abnormally cold weather« emerged not long ago — only in 2009.

«Abnormally cold weather is when the average daily temperature is 10 degrees Celsius or more below normal. Since 2009, this has been observed 22 times. The period considered is from November to March, which are regarded as winter months in Omsk Oblast,» emphasized the forecaster.

The cause of the current frosts is an anticyclone. It settled over the region in mid-January, then slightly «retreated» and returned again, seriously cooling the air over the Priirtyshye area.

According to Natalia Krivoruchko, abnormally cold weather has been declared twice in Omsk Oblast this January. The coldest temperature, -42°C (-43.6°F), was recorded in Sedelnikovo. But the current month is far from December 2012. The forecaster said many Omsk residents likely remember the frosts of that time, when abnormally cold weather persisted for 19 days, with deviations from the norm reaching up to 26 degrees Celsius.

The persistent cold has led to an increase in fires. As told by Andrey Sergiyenko, head of the department for organizing supervisory and preventive measures of the Emergencies Ministry (EMERCOM) in Omsk Oblast, since the beginning of the year, 156 fires have occurred in the region, resulting in 10 deaths, which is higher than the level in 2025.

The main causes of fires are stove heating, electrical short circuits, and vehicle heating. Omsk residents are advised not to overdo heating, avoid overheating stoves, and install smoke detectors.

Earlier we reported on the coldest night experienced by Omsk residents.