Ukraine Endures Extreme Cold Snap with Temperatures Plummeting to -30°C

Severe Cold Grips Ukraine

According to Главком: A severe cold wave has enveloped Ukraine, with temperatures expected to drop as low as -30°C across most regions on February 2-3. Nighttime lows will range from -20°C to -27°C. Authorities have issued a Level III (Red) danger alert, indicating serious risks to public health and safety. Such extreme cold poses significant challenges to infrastructure and daily life, especially for vulnerable populations.

Weather Forecast and Affected Areas

The following oblasts are forecast to experience the most extreme low temperatures:

• Rivne
• Zhytomyr
• Kyiv
• Chernihiv
• Sumy
• Poltava
• Kharkiv

As of February 1, temperatures in most regions were already between -20°C and -25°C, with February 2 expected to see lows around -20°C.

A gradual warming trend is anticipated from February 4-5, starting from the west and southwest. This extreme cold snap marks a challenging start to February 2026 for the country. The red-level warning underscores the need for residents to follow emergency service guidelines to avoid hazardous situations. While the expected warming after February 5 may bring relief, authorities advise preparedness for continued volatile weather conditions that can disrupt transport, energy supplies, and healthcare services.