January in Russia this year has brought unexpected warmth and a lack of typical winter weather. Instead of the usual scenes of snow-covered landscapes and freezing temperatures, Muscovites are experiencing mild weather with bare sidewalks and temperatures well above freezing. This unusual weather pattern is not limited to Moscow but is being felt across the country, including Siberia.
According to Europe’s climate agency Copernicus, the first 27 days of 2025 have been the hottest on record globally, with temperatures averaging 0.11 degrees Celsius warmer than the same period in 2024. Scientists attribute these extreme weather events, such as the current mild temperatures in Russia, to human-caused global warming, which amplifies and exacerbates natural weather patterns.
Russia’s Hydrometeorological Research Center reported record-breaking temperatures in eight regions, with January potentially becoming the warmest on record in the country. The delayed formation of ice on Lake Baikal, usually frozen by this time of year, further highlights the unusual warmth.
Meteorologists attribute the warm weather to fast-moving warm Atlantic air, causing a significant temperature anomaly in the region. This has led to the early blossoming of snowdrops in Moscow, a sight typically seen during the thaw in February or March. The absence of snow has left many residents questioning the whereabouts of winter.
Events like the cancellation of Epiphany festivities due to unsafe ice conditions on frozen lakes and rivers underscore the impact of the unseasonably warm weather. The situation in Russia reflects a global trend of extreme weather events linked to human-induced climate change, as highlighted by experts in the field.
