Unprecedented -58 degrees Fahrenheit hits Russia, leaving Moscow paralyzed by snow
Winter has hit Russia hard. Heavy snow blizzards have engulfed Moscow, preventing the city from operating as normal. The airport in the capital of the Russian Federation has been forced to shut down due to excessive snowfall, making runway usage extremely difficult. Temperature levels have taken a significant plunge.
1:27 PM EST, December 4, 2023
Weather stations in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), located in the northeastern part of Siberia — one of the world's coldest regions — recorded temperatures dropping to a startling -58 degrees Fahrenheit during the initial days of December. Although the inhabitants of these immensely chilly regions are somewhat accustomed to such low temperatures, recent weather patterns have been unexpectedly milder.
The occurrence of such low temperatures, as low as -58 degrees Fahrenheit, has been less frequent in recent times due to the impacts of climate change. More signs of the permafrost melting are becoming apparent.
Russia experiences an intense frost; temperatures plunge to -58 degrees in Siberia
In recent years, Yakutsk — the regional capital and considered the coldest city globally — has been experiencing temperatures of approximately 24-26 degrees F. Moreover, the cold has arrived noticeably early this year compared to previous years.
Meanwhile, in Moscow, one of the heaviest snowfalls in recorded history delayed flights at several airports on Monday, with runways becoming completely coated in a thick layer of snow. According to the RIA news agency, a minimum of 54 flights at the capital's three largest airports were delayed, with five others being canceled.
In Moscow, located about 3,107 miles west of Yakutsk, conditions are expected to be slightly less harsh. Forecasts predict the Russian capital's temperature will drop to roughly -0 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of this week.
