14.01.2026 11:10
Moscow, the capital of Russia, has been hit by one of the strongest snowstorms in the last 146 years. Life has practically come to a standstill as massive snowdrifts have formed on the streets and ice has developed on the roads. Teams are working around the clock to quickly mitigate the effects of the severe weather conditions.
The heavy snowfall that has affected Moscow and its surroundings has been recorded as the strongest snowfall in the last 146 years since meteorological observations began. This assessment is based on information obtained from officials at the Russian Hydrometeorological Center.
Meteorologists stated that the snowfall in question ranks among the three heaviest snowfalls recorded in the 21st century, with a daily precipitation amount of 21.4 mm. Measurements were taken at the main station in the VDNKh area of Moscow. Intense snowfalls recorded in 2018, 1981, 1970, and 2022 also rank high on the historical list.
THIS IS TRULY A RECORD
The Mediterranean-origin cyclone that brought the snowfall appeared in the southeastern and eastern regions on the afternoon of January 8 and quickly spread across the entire Moscow metropolitan area. Precipitation peaked the following day, and the total precipitation since the beginning of the year exceeded 35 mm, reaching 67% of the January norm.
LIFE HAS OFFICIALLY COME TO A STANDSTILL
Municipal services in Moscow and the surrounding areas are working around the clock to quickly mitigate the effects of the severe weather conditions. While massive snow piles and icy roads have formed on the streets, life in the city has come to a standstill.