Russia Records Its Heaviest Snowfall in 146 Years: A Winter for the History Books

Moscow Buried Under Historic Snow

In early January, Moscow experienced a powerful snowstorm that pushed snowfall totals into the top five highest levels recorded since meteorological observations began nearly a century and a half ago. Streets disappeared beneath thick layers of snow, vehicles were buried overnight, and residents navigated the capital through waist-high drifts in some areas.

City services were placed on high alert, deploying thousands of workers and heavy machinery around the clock to clear roads, public transport routes, and pedestrian areas. Despite the massive effort, traffic delays, flight disruptions, and temporary closures became unavoidable as snowfall continued to pile up.

Meteorologists described the event as exceptional not only for its volume, but also for its intensity — with a large share of the month’s average snowfall falling in just a matter of days.

Russia’s Far East Faces a Snow Emergency

While Moscow struggled with historic totals, conditions in Russia’s Far East were even more dramatic. The Kamchatka Peninsula was hit by a series of powerful winter storms that buried towns under more than two meters of snow in places, forcing local authorities to declare a state of emergency.

Residents reported entrances to buildings completely blocked, cars submerged under snowbanks, and limited access to essential services. In some neighborhoods, people were forced to exit their homes through windows due to impassable doorways.

The storms also affected transportation across the region, grounding flights, halting road travel, and disrupting maritime routes. Emergency crews worked tirelessly to restore access, clear critical infrastructure, and ensure public safety amid ongoing hazardous conditions.

Why This Snowfall Is So Significant

The “146-year” milestone reflects the length of official weather records used to compare current snowfall levels with historical data. Events of this magnitude are extremely rare, placing this winter among the most notable in Russia’s climate history.

Meteorologists point to a combination of powerful cyclones, moisture-rich air masses, and persistent cold temperatures as the driving forces behind the relentless snowfall. These conditions allowed snow to accumulate rapidly without melting, leading to record-breaking depths.

A Stark Reminder of Weather Extremes

This historic snowfall serves as a reminder that extreme weather events can take many forms — not only heatwaves and droughts, but also intense cold and heavy snow. As cleanup efforts continue, communities across Russia are adapting to the challenges posed by a winter that will be remembered for generations.

Disclaimer: This update is shared based on publicly available information. VOTG News is not responsible for any decisions made based on this news. The image is AI-generated only for illustration