Asian anticyclone covers Ukraine: how long will the severe frosts last?
17 January 06:44
In the coming days, the weather in Ukraine will remain under the influence of a powerful Asian anticyclone, which causes dry air, severe frosts, and increased icy conditions on the roads. This was reported by meteorologist Natalka Didenko, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
According to the expert, the commonly used name “Siberian anticyclone” is inaccurate. In fact, it is an Asian or Central Asian anticyclone, also known as the Mongolian anticyclone.
“We say ‘Asian anticyclone’. It is extremely powerful and its baric branches even reach Ukraine,” the forecaster explained.
What will the weather be like in the coming days?
This type of anticyclone is characterized by dry air, light winds, and sharp temperature contrasts: intense heat in summer and frost in winter. Atmospheric fronts sometimes pass along its periphery, but precipitation is usually short-lived and insignificant.
“Therefore, there will be no significant precipitation in Ukraine in the near future. If there is no precipitation in the forecast, but you see light snow, these are microprocesses that are difficult to predict accurately,” Didenko noted.
Temperature and precipitation
According to the forecaster, precipitation is unlikely in Ukraine on January 17-18, with the possible exception of Crimea. Icy conditions are expected on roads throughout the country.
Temperatures will remain consistently low:
- at night: −10…−16 °C, in the north −15…−22 °C;
- during the day: −9…−15 °C;
- Transcarpathia and the south: −2…−5 °C.
The forecaster drew particular attention to the wind:
“In the southern regions, gusts of northeasterly wind may reach storm levels.”
Weather in Kyiv and duration of frost
No significant precipitation is forecast in Kyiv over the weekend. The temperature will be:
- at night −15…−18 °C,
- during the day −10…−12 °C,
- roads will remain icy.
“The cold spell in Ukraine will continue. According to preliminary forecasts, it will last at least until the end of January,” concluded Natalka Didenko.
