Altai Territory braces for a sudden late-February thaw after extreme cold
Altai Territory is set for a sharp shift in weather conditions by the end of February. After days of extreme cold, a brief warming spell will arrive on February 28, bringing isolated light snow. The region has already faced temperatures as low as -40°C in recent weeks.
A high-pressure system has kept Altai Territory dry and calm for much of late February. Some areas recorded freezing conditions below -30°C, with the coldest spots dropping to -40°C or lower. This pattern will hold until the final days of the month.
On February 28, a short-lived warming trend will push temperatures above freezing. Light snow may fall in scattered areas, but no heavy precipitation is expected. The relief will be temporary, as freezing conditions return shortly after.
From March 3, a gradual rise in temperature is forecast. However, the region will still experience unstable weather, with sudden swings between cold snaps and milder spells. Such fluctuations are typical for this time of year in Altai Territory.
Over the past five years, the region has seen above-average warming in late February and early March. Data from Russia's Hydrometeorological Service shows temperatures climbing by around +1.5°C compared to long-term averages. This increase outpaces other Siberian regions, such as Krasnoyarsk (+0.8°C) and Irkutsk (+0.5°C).
The late-February thaw will offer only a brief respite before cold weather returns. Long-term trends suggest Altai Territory's early spring warming is becoming more pronounced. Residents should prepare for continued temperature swings in the coming weeks.
