Ukraine Braces for Deep Freeze After Brief January Thaw

Weather Forecast for January 31 - February 1

According to Главком: While temperatures in Ukraine will still be above freezing on January 31, a sharp drop is set to begin that same day. In certain regions, including Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Crimea, daytime highs will reach +1...+5 degrees Celsius. This brief warm spell will be accompanied by rain, wet snow, and strong storm-force winds. Precipitation on January 31 is expected across central (except Vinnytsia), southern, and eastern parts of the country, while western and northern regions are forecast to stay largely dry. Rain will be the dominant form of precipitation in the southeast.

A new and powerful anticyclone will move into Ukraine starting February 1, causing air temperatures to plummet. Maximum daytime temperatures on Saturday are forecast to be -6...-10 degrees Celsius, dropping to -7...-12 degrees in the north and west. Winds on Saturday will be northeasterly, gusty, and at times reach storm force.

Forecast for Early February

In early February, overnight temperatures could plunge to -20...-28 degrees Celsius, marking a second wave of severe cold. This follows earlier icy conditions observed across many northern and southern regions, signaling a steady intensification of winter weather. Such extreme cold is not uncommon for Eastern Europe in February, but rapid changes can be disruptive.

The significant temperature drop expected in early February could have serious consequences for the population, especially in regions already grappling with winter conditions. The combination of severe frost and gusty winds may complicate travel and could lead to issues with energy supply. It is crucial for citizens to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their homes from the impacts of the cold weather.