Moscow shatters fourth March heat record as snow melts at alarming speed
Moscow is set to break another temperature record this March, with forecasts predicting highs of +11°C. The unusual warmth follows three earlier records this month and has prompted warnings for residents about changing travel habits.
The city's snow cover is also melting faster than usual, raising concerns over traffic and road safety.
Temperatures in Moscow could climb to +11°C today, marking the fourth record-breaking high this March. The prolonged sunny spell is expected to last until the weekend, further warming the region.
As a result, snowdrifts are shrinking rapidly. By Saturday, their depth may drop to 20–22 centimetres, with only six centimetres or less remaining by late March. Authorities have warned that the melting snow could cause traffic delays, particularly in the city centre, along the Third Ring Road, and on the Moscow Ring Road. Major outbound highways may also face disruptions.
Despite the warmth, officials advise against switching to summer tyres or riding motorcycles. The fluctuating temperatures could still create hazardous conditions on the roads.
Weather data on snowmelt trends in Moscow over the past five years remains unavailable, as recent reports have focused on unrelated events, such as flooding in Bavaria.
The record temperatures and rapid snowmelt will likely affect travel across the city in the coming days. Residents are urged to stay cautious, as unstable conditions persist despite the unseasonable warmth. The forecast suggests no immediate return to colder weather.
