Moscow just shattered a 203-year snowfall record in January 2026, burying its 13 million residents under 62 cm of snow and challenging global warming narratives with relentless winter fury.
Story Snapshot
- MSU observatory records 92 mm precipitation, heaviest January since 1823.
- Cyclone Francis and deep fronts deliver sustained snow without thaws.
- Airports close, traffic paralyzes, residents dig out from 60-65 cm drifts.
- Experts cite rising winter precipitation over pure temperature rise.
- Urban chaos in central Moscow highlights vulnerabilities in Russia’s capital.
Record-Breaking Precipitation Confirmed by MSU Observatory
Lomonosov Moscow State University Meteorological Observatory measured 92 mm of liquid precipitation equivalent by January 29, 2026. This marks the snowiest January in 203 years of records dating to 1823. Head researcher Mikhail Lokoshchenko verified the data, noting previous peaks in the 1920s fell short. Snow depths reached 60-62 cm in central areas and at VDNKh station due to high air content in flakes.
Cyclone Francis Ignites Month-Long Snow Onslaught
Cyclone Francis struck early January, dumping up to 65 cm overnight by January 9. Sharp atmospheric fronts and expansive cyclones followed, sustaining snowfall through the month. Air temperatures averaged -7.7°C, 1.5°C below normal, preventing thaws and preserving deep cover. MSU attributes the event to dynamic weather patterns, not mild winters.
January 9 Marks Peak Chaos in Moscow Streets
On January 9, eyewitnesses captured cars buried, doors blocked by drifts, and airports shuttered. Commuter trains delayed as snow overwhelmed tracks. Central districts like Red Square and the Kremlin saw workers struggle to clear paths. VDNKh station measured 62 cm that morning. Clearance efforts lagged behind accumulation rates.
Moscow’s 13 million residents faced amplified hardships from dense traffic and rail dependence. Winds at -12°C added misery to shoveling tasks. City services prioritized key sites but could not keep sidewalks open.
Urban Disruptions Ripple Across Transport and Daily Life
Airport closures stranded travelers while traffic jams gridlocked roads. Rail delays hit evening commutes on January 29. Economic costs mounted from clearance operations and halted aviation. Tourism adapted, drawing crowds to snow-blanketed Red Square for historic views. Agriculture and insurance sectors brace for potential winter damage claims.
Social fascination mixed with frustration as residents documented the spectacle. Long-term, stable snow cover signals shifting patterns with more precipitation. This contrasts earlier Kamchatka emergency, where drifts hit second-story levels.
Expert Analysis Counters Warming Simplifications
Lokoshchenko explains cyclones and fronts drove the record, with no thaws allowing accumulation. Precipitation rose despite overall warming trends, aligning with data over alarmist narratives. MSU’s 203-year record sets the gold standard, corroborated across media. Minor depth variances—60 cm versus 62-65 cm—reflect local measurements. Facts support common-sense weather variability, not doomsday predictions.
Sources:
Moscow’s January 2026 snowiest in two centuries, scientists say
Moscow records heaviest snowfall in over 200 years
Moscow snowfall reaches record levels
