Snowfall in Moscow Breaks Half-Century Record

Illustrative photo
The cyclone "Francis" has caused significant snowfall, which, according to Evgeny Tishkovets from "Phobos," exceeded the figures from January 1976, when only 12.9 mm of precipitation fell. The new record was made possible because the snowfall amounted to 22 mm, just 1 mm less than the daily maximum set in January 1970. Tishkovets noted that such a powerful snowfall has not been observed in Moscow for over 56 years.

In just one day, the snow cover increased by 23 cm in Moscow, by 32 cm at Vnukovo Airport, and by 33 cm in Dolgoprudny, where more than 60% of January's precipitation was recorded. In the Moscow region, the height of snowdrifts reached over half a meter for the first time this winter; in Cherusty, it was 51 cm, and in Balchug, it was 39 cm, which is one and a half times higher than the climatic norm for this time of year.

According to forecasts, on Saturday and Sunday, the temperature will begin to drop, and the snowfall will weaken, with only light snow expected, with an intensity of up to 1 mm. However, on Monday, January 12, a new cyclone is expected to hit Central Russia, bringing another snowfall, although less intense—between 2–7 mm of precipitation.

"Utility services and residents of Moscow and the region have two days to eliminate the consequences of the snowstorm," Tishkovets added.