Irkutsk Weather: Frost to Give Way to Warming

The upcoming weekend in Irkutsk is expected to be quite pleasant in terms of weather. The cold is retreating — we have already experienced the coldest night of the week, and warming awaits. Yulia Yankova, head of the Irkutsk Hydrometeorological Center, told a journalist from IrCity.

“Last night, temperatures in central Irkutsk dropped to between -27°C and -29°C (-17°F to -20°F), and in the suburbs down to -33°C (-27°F). In Bokhan, -39°C (-38°F) was recorded, in Shelekhov temperatures fell to -36°C (-33°F), and in Angarsk to -37°C (-35°F). The lowest temperature was in Erbogachen, where thermometers showed -42°C (-44°F), but for them that is almost normal,” Yankova said.

The frosts were caused by a cold air mass from the Arctic. However, since it is already February and the weather changes quickly this month, the cold is ready to retreat. Warm air masses from the European part of Russia are heading our way.

“Tomorrow afternoon in Irkutsk, temperatures will be up to -13°C to -15°C (9°F to 5°F), and at night down to -25°C (-13°F). On the weekend, the temperature in the capital of the Angara region is expected to be even above normal. At night, down to -19°C to -22°C (-2°F to -8°F), and during the day from -8°C to -10°C (18°F to 14°F). Light snow may fall on Sunday afternoon,” Yankova noted.

Across the region, the situation is similar. The coming night will be from -24°C to -29°C (-11°F to -20°F), with some areas still experiencing frosts down to -34°C to -39°C (-29°F to -38°F). During the day, from -12°C to -17°C (10°F to 1°F), and in the mountains of the East Sayan and Southern Baikal region down to -4°C to -9°C (25°F to 16°F).

On the weekend, the Angara region will see significant warming. At night, temperatures are expected to be down to -16°C to -21°C (3°F to -6°F), with some places down to -26°C to -31°C (-15°F to -24°F). During the day, from -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F), and in some places down to -15°C (5°F). In mountainous areas, slight thaws are expected.

According to meteorologists, the temperature in the next 24 hours will be close to normal. On Saturday, it will be 4–8°C (7–14°F) above normal, and on Sunday, 2–8°C (4–14°F) warmer than usual. The smallest deviations from typical values will be in the south, while the most significant will be in the north.

Monday is also expected to be warm and comfortable.