Forecaster expects Moscow’s first snow later than usual

Moscow is likely to see its first snowfall and temporary snow cover later than their long-term average dates, according to Mikhail Leus of the Phobos weather centre.

RIA Novosti reported the forecast on October 11. Leus compared the expected timing with observations from the 21st century. He said Moscow’s first snow falls on October 18 on average, while temporary snow cover usually forms on November 3.

He described the probability of both events occurring substantially later as high, without giving a specific date for the first snowfall. The dates he cited are observational averages, rather than predictions of snow arriving on those particular days.

Leus also reported snow depths at weather stations elsewhere in Russia. Bokhapcha in Magadan Region recorded 41 centimetres, Nenastnaya in Khakassia had 38 centimetres and Baimka in Chukotka recorded 30 centimetres.