Ukraine Braces for Extreme Cold, with Temperatures Plummeting to -27°C in Early February

Ukraine Faces Severe Cold Snap

According to Главком: A powerful Arctic anticyclone is set to bring exceptionally cold weather to Ukraine, with the peak of the freeze expected from February 1 to 3, 2026. According to the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center, temperatures could drop as low as -27 degrees Celsius (-17°F) on February 3rd. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) has declared a level III (red) danger alert for a number of regions, indicating a significant threat. Such severe winter conditions are a recurring challenge for the country's infrastructure.

On February 3rd, the weather is forecast to be mostly clear and dry. Overnight lows across the country will range from -22 to -27°C (-8 to -17°F), while daytime highs will only reach between -10 and -15°C (14 to 5°F). Similar temperatures are expected in the Kyiv region and the capital itself: lows of -22 to -24°C (-8 to -11°F) and highs of -13 to -15°C (9 to 5°F). Winds in Kyiv will be variable at 3-8 m/s, and icy patches are anticipated on roads in some areas.

Regional Weather Forecast

• In the Precarpathian region, the south, and southeast, nighttime temperatures will fall to -14 to -19°C (7 to -2°F), with daytime highs of -6 to -11°C (21 to 12°F).
• In Crimea, temperatures will fluctuate from -8 to -13°C (18 to 9°F) at night to -4 to -9°C (25 to 16°F) during the day.
• In the Transcarpathian region, expect overnight lows of -3 to -8°C (27 to 18°F) and daytime highs from 0 to +5°C (32 to 41°F).
• Light snowfall is possible overnight in the Carpathian Mountains and the Transcarpathian region.

Residents are strongly advised to exercise caution during this extreme cold spell, particularly on roads where black ice may form. The anticipated freeze is likely to impact daily life significantly, affecting transport and placing strain on the energy grid. State authorities are implementing measures to prevent potential emergencies and are urging citizens to take precautions to avoid injury and ensure their safety. The worsening conditions may also affect agriculture, particularly vegetation that has already begun to awaken after winter.