Russia is currently enduring an intense cold wave, with the Siberian city of Yakutsk experiencing unprecedented temperatures of minus 56 degrees Celsius. The extreme cold has transformed streets, buildings, and public spaces into an icy landscape, highlighting the severity of winter in this region.
According to the Russian Meteorological Department, the “feels-like” temperature in Yakutsk is even lower, making it arguably the coldest location on the planet at present. While residents of the city are familiar with severe winters, where temperatures of around minus 40 degrees Celsius are common, this season has surpassed typical extremes, making it exceptionally harsh even by Siberian standards.
Officials have warned that temperatures could drop further, potentially reaching minus 60 degrees Celsius. With a population of roughly 350,000, Yakutsk’s residents are taking extraordinary measures to endure the brutal cold, from limiting outdoor activity to ensuring adequate heating and insulation in homes.
The freezing conditions are not confined to Siberia. Moscow, Russia’s capital, has also been hit by the bitter cold. On the night of December 23 to 24, temperatures plunged to minus 15.7 degrees Celsius, marking the coldest night of this winter season so far. Just one night earlier, the thermometer had dropped to minus 10.7 degrees Celsius. While forecasters predict a slight warming in the coming nights, the city continues to experience unusually harsh frost for this time of year.
Last Year, The world’s coldest city was hit by record minus 50 degrees.
As both Yakutsk and Moscow confront record-breaking low temperatures, residents across Russia are preparing for dangerously cold conditions. The extreme weather has made everyday life a challenge, turning survival into a test of resilience against some of the harshest elements on Earth. From frozen streets to subzero nights, the country is facing a winter that underscores the raw power and severity of Siberian climate.
