The predictions for Moscow's New Year's weather reflect a broader trend of fluctuating winter conditions, which may be influenced by climate change.
The lack of traditional winter weather during the holiday season could impact local celebrations and tourism, as many people associate snow with festive atmospheres.
As the New Year approaches, there may be a late winter impulse that could bring colder temperatures and light snow to Moscow, although significant snowfall is unlikely.
The ongoing trend of warmer winters may continue to affect holiday traditions and local economies reliant on winter tourism.
On December 31 and January 1, Muscovites can expect relatively warm weather with no snowstorms or blizzards, according to forecasts from leading meteorologists. Tatyana Pozdnyakova from Meteonovosti stated that temperatures will remain above the climatic norm, with no significant precipitation expected. The weather has been unpredictable, but current models suggest a lack of snow on New Year's Eve, with temperatures fluctuating between -1 to -6 °C at night and tending towards zero during the day.
Evgeny Tishkovets from the Phobos weather center echoed this sentiment, indicating that an anticyclone will dominate the weather, leading to clear skies and minimal precipitation. He noted that the snow cover in Moscow is likely to decrease by half, reinforcing the warm weather scenario for the New Year. Meanwhile, Alexander Shuvalov from the Meteo forecasting center hinted at a slight chance of winter weather returning on New Year's Eve, with temperatures potentially dropping to -3 to -6 °C and light snow possible.
Despite the warm forecast, regional forecasters in areas like Primorye have also predicted a snowless New Year, while the Chelyabinsk region is bracing for two sharp weather changes in the upcoming week.
