Scorching temperatures expected in the Altai region, according to meteorologists.
Heatwave Sizzles Altai, Before Cold Snap Hits
Summer's first week has been scorching for the Altai region, with mercury climbing to a fiery +35 degrees Celsius, prompting a severe weather alert. But fear not, as relief appears imminent, according to NGS22.RU, the regional weather forecasting center.
Currently, the region finds itself smack dab in the western edge of an anticyclone—an area of high atmospheric pressure, bringing in hot, bone-dry weather. With this setup, the region heats up promptly, and rain is hardly a factor.
However, by the weekend's end, forecasts predict a relief from the heat, with temperatures plummeting to a more bearable +25...+27 degrees Celsius. Some areas might even get a taste of short-term rain and thunderstorms.
Swimming in Defiance: Kids of Biysk Dive into Fountains Despite Ban
As the mercury rises in the Altai region, children in Biysk can't seem to resist the allure of the local fountains, flocking for a refreshing soak despite an enforceable ban.
In recent years, global warming has caused increasingly unpredictable and intense weather events, with the Altai region seeing a marked increase in both scorching heat and sudden cold snaps. This volatility is a clear reminder of the impacts of climate change on regional weather patterns.
Recent Record-Breaking Heat and Cold
In mid-May 2025, parts of Altai Krai reached blistering temperatures, with Uglovskoye recording a jaw-dropping +39.3°C, just shy of the all-time Russian May record. This extreme heat was the result of a powerful high-pressure system that let hot, dry air gather over Central Asia and southern Siberia—a pattern linked to the broader effects of climate change.
However, the heat didn't last long, as by May 27, temperatures in Barnaul (Altai Territory) plummeted to a jaw-dropping +4°C, with a wet snowfall recorded—a drastic contrast to the previous record high. This abrupt cool-down was due to shifting atmospheric pressure systems and the influence of Arctic air masses.
Weather Outlook
Meteorologists predict that the region will continue to experience sudden, unpredictable weather patterns. While the cold spell might soon give way, continued rain and thunderstorms are on the horizon. though, a return to the record-breaking heat of earlier in the month is not expected.
| Period | Temperature | Weather Conditions | Key Notes ||------------------|----------------------|---------------------------|--------------------------|| Mid-May 2025 | Up to +39.3°C | Record heat, dry | All-time May record near[1] || Late May 2025 | Down to +4°C | Wet snow, sleet, rain | Coldest spell of week[2] || Near-future | Gradual warming | Rain, possible storms | Thunderstorms possible[2] |
The wild swings in weather serve as a stark reminder of the increasing unpredictability and extremity of climate patterns in the Altai region.
In the context of unpredictable weather patterns in the Altai region, children continue to defy the ban and seek refuge in fountains, attempting to cool off from the record-breaking heat. Despite an imminent cold snap, the region will likely witness more rain and potential thunderstorms in the near future, underscoring the changes in regional environmental-science and weather conditions, shaped by climate change.
