Ukraine Gripped by Extreme Arctic Freeze, Temperatures Plummet to -25°C in February 2026

Ukraine in the Grip of an Arctic Deep Freeze

According to Главком: An intense cold wave, driven by an Arctic anticyclone, has settled over Ukraine in February 2026, bringing critically low temperatures. As of February 1, readings have dropped to -20...-25°C across most regions. The most severe conditions have been recorded in the north and west, including Kyiv and its surrounding oblast, where nighttime temperatures have plunged to -21...-25°C and daytime highs are not expected to exceed -15°C. Parts of Rivne and Zhytomyr oblasts have seen temperatures as low as -25°C, while in southern cities like Odesa and Mykolaiv, nighttime lows have hit -12...-15°C.

According to Ukrhydrometcenter, the Arctic high-pressure system has fully enveloped Ukraine, blocking warmer Atlantic air masses from reaching Eastern Europe. For February 1, the forecast predicts continued frigid weather with frosts down to -20 degrees Celsius. No precipitation is expected, but dangerous black ice persists on roads. The peak of this cold snap is forecast for the period from February 1 to 3, as reported by the Sinoptik weather service.

Weather Forecast and Potential Impacts

Meteorologists' preliminary calculations suggest no significant warming is likely in the immediate future. In northern and eastern regions, nighttime temperatures may remain consistently at -24...-28°C. The first easing of the severe cold is expected around February 4–5, when nighttime lows could rise to -10...-15°C. A more stable increase in temperatures is projected after February 8–10, with daytime readings potentially approaching 0...-3°C. A thaw is possible in southern oblasts and Zakarpattia as early as the second half of next week.

This extreme cold poses serious risks to public health, strains energy infrastructure, and threatens major transport disruptions. Such deep winter freezes test national resilience, particularly in regions still recovering from conflict. Authorities urge the public to heed meteorologists' warnings and ensure proper protection from the cold, especially for vulnerable groups. Following the peak of the freeze around February 4–5, a gradual improvement in conditions is anticipated, offering some relief to Ukrainians enduring this harsh winter episode.