Omsk Oblast shivers through second extreme cold wave in January 2023

A second Arctic blast in January 2023 pushes Omsk Oblast to its limits. Experts warn this extreme cold is part of a recurring—and worsening—weather pattern.

, and ASMedia

2026 January 24 . 7:18 PM

1 min read

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Omsk Oblast shivers through second extreme cold wave in January 2023

Omsk Oblast has endured another wave of extreme cold in January 2023, with temperatures plummeting to -42°C in Sedelnikovo. This marks the second severe freeze in the region this month alone. Experts have linked the harsh conditions to a powerful high-pressure system sweeping across Siberia.

The term abnormally cold weather was first defined in 2009. It describes periods when daily temperatures fall at least 10°C below the seasonal average. Since then, Omsk Oblast has recorded 22 such episodes, mostly between November and March.

Natalia Krivoruchko, head of the Ob-Irtysh Hydrometeorological Center, recently explained the latest freeze. A strong Siberian anticyclone, combined with Arctic air masses, has driven temperatures to extreme lows. Galina Sidorova, director of Omsk’s hydrometeorological service, confirmed in January that these conditions are part of a natural weather pattern. The current cold snap began when the anticyclone intensified, bringing freezing air. It briefly weakened before returning with even greater force. However, it does not yet match the record-breaking winter of 2012, when anomalies lasted 19 consecutive days and temperatures dropped 26°C below normal.

Omsk Oblast continues to face repeated extreme cold events, with two major freezes already in 2023. Meteorologists attribute the latest conditions to a persistent high-pressure system and Arctic air. While severe, this cold snap remains less extreme than the historic freeze of 2012.