Belarus Faces Brutal -30°C Freeze as Scandinavian Anticyclone Grips Region
Belarus is bracing for a bitterly cold start to February. A Scandinavian anticyclone will push temperatures far below seasonal averages, with overnight lows near -30°C in places. The deep freeze will bring gusty easterly winds, making conditions harsh for anyone outdoors this week.
The cold snap began on Monday, February 2, as the anticyclone settled over the region. Nighttime temperatures plunged to between -19°C and -29°C, while daytime highs struggled to reach -12°C to -17°C.
A slight reprieve is expected midweek, with a brief thaw on Tuesday and Wednesday. Overnight lows will rise to -6°C to -13°C, and daytime temperatures will hover around -6°C to -12°C. However, this warmer spell will come with snow and sleet, adding to the wintry mix.
By the weekend, the cold will return in full force. Another anticyclone, this time circulating over Russia, will drive temperatures back down on February 7–8. The first week of February as a whole will remain 10–15°C colder than usual for this time of year.
Despite the intense cold, snowfall is unlikely for most of the week. Cloud breaks may offer occasional sunshine, though the gusty winds will keep conditions feeling even colder. This pattern mirrors recent winters, where persistent high-pressure systems from Siberia—often called the 'Russian Bear'—have brought prolonged frost and below-average temperatures to Belarus.
The freezing conditions will persist through the first week of February, with only a short midweek thaw. The return of anticyclonic systems over the weekend means another sharp drop in temperatures. Residents should prepare for sustained cold, with little relief expected in the near term.
