Komi Republic Faces Brutal Arctic Freeze as March Begins
The Komi Republic is bracing for an unusually harsh start to March. Arctic air sweeping in from the Kara Sea will push temperatures far below seasonal norms, bringing extreme cold to the region.
From Tuesday, overnight lows across most areas could plunge to -20°C to -25°C. Under clear skies, some spots may see readings as low as -32°C. Daytime highs will barely climb above -20°C in the coldest zones.
The chill will be most severe in subpolar regions and areas beyond the Arctic Circle. Here, temperatures are forecast to stay 10°C or more below average, with daytime peaks between -13°C and -18°C.
Syktyvkar and southern parts will fare slightly better, though still bitterly cold. Daytime highs there are expected to reach only -8°C to -13°C, offering little relief from the freeze.
This cold snap marks a sharp contrast to recent winters. Over the past five years, Syktyvkar's average winter temperatures (December–February) hovered around -12°C to -14°C, with a gradual warming trend of about 0.5–1°C per decade. Forecasts for early March 2026 had initially suggested milder conditions, with highs of -5°C to -10°C—warmer than historical winter averages.
The first working week of March will see winter tighten its grip across the Komi Republic. Residents should prepare for prolonged sub-zero conditions, with little sign of warming in the immediate forecast. The extreme cold is set to disrupt daily routines and strain infrastructure in the region.
