April 2026 could rank among the five coldest months of the past 30 years
29 April 07:13
April 2026 in Ukraine is likely to rank among the five coldest months of the past three decades. Following a “diving” cyclone that brought rain, hail, and squalls last Sunday, Arctic air from Scandinavia has moved into Ukraine. As a result, cold weather, nighttime frosts, and temperatures below the seasonal norm will persist at least until the end of the workweek. This was reported by meteorologist Vitaliy Postrygan , head of the Cherkasy Regional Center for Hydrometeorology, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
According to him, the cyclone brought not only precipitation and dangerous wind gusts but also opened the way for a cold Arctic air mass.
In the Cherkasy region, the atmospheric front brought 3 to 7 mm of rain, in some places accompanied by thunderstorms and hail, while wind gusts reached 15–23 m/s.
Why April 2026 Was So Cold
According to Vitalii Postrygan, the current cold snap is linked to a so-called “diving” cyclone. Such cyclones move rapidly from the north or northwest to the south or southeast and often draw in cold air from Arctic latitudes.
After the cyclone passed, Ukraine found itself in a zone of cold air. That is why the temperature is more reminiscent of late March than the end of April.
“With its prolonged cold spells and a significant number of days with frost, and given the combination of these factors, it has every chance of ranking among the five coldest Aprils in the last 30 years,” noted Vitaliy Postrygan.
April can historically be unpredictable
Forecasters remind us: April in Ukraine is a transitional month characterized by sharp temperature swings, the return of cold weather, frosts, rain, and even wet snow.
Vitaliy Postrygan cited the example that in 2021, during this period, there was up to 7 cm of snow in central Ukraine. And the latest frosts in the past 30 years were recorded as late as May 11.
However, April 2026 stands out specifically for the duration of cold spells and the number of nights with frost.
Weather forecast for the rest of the week
Until the weekend, Ukraine will be under the influence of an upper-level trough associated with a northeastern cyclone. As a result, temperatures will remain significantly below normal.
The average daily temperature will be only 4–5°C, which is approximately 7–9°C below the climatic norm for late April.
At night, during clear spells, steady air frosts of 0–3°C are expected. During the day, temperatures will rise only to 7–12°C.
Watch us on YouTube: important topics – without censorship
What will the weather be like in the regions
Western Ukraine
Cold and unsettled weather will persist in the western regions. Rain is possible in some areas, and in isolated areas—with wet snow. Frosts are expected at night, with temperatures mostly 7–10°C during the day.
Northern Ukraine
It will also be cold in the north. Frosts are forecast at night, with daytime temperatures around 7–10°C. Rain is possible in some places, with wet snow in some areas.
Central Ukraine
In the central regions, temperatures will remain below normal. Frosts of 0…-3°C are possible at night, with daytime highs mostly 8… 12°C. Precipitation will not be widespread, but cold air masses will persist.
Eastern Ukraine
It will be cool in the east and northeast, with frosts also possible at night. Daytime temperatures are expected to range from 7 to 11°C. The wind will gradually weaken, but it will still feel cold.
Southern Ukraine
In the south and southeast, it will be slightly warmer than in other regions. Daytime temperatures may reach 9–13°C, but nights will also remain cold. On Sunday, May 3, due to rain in the south, temperatures may drop again to 8–11°C.
Weather in Kyiv
In Kyiv, frosts are expected on the night of April 29, and daytime temperatures will only reach 7–9°C. Rain is possible in some areas, and wet snow cannot be ruled out. At the same time, the northwesterly wind will no longer have storm-force gusts—it will be moderate or light.
The Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center also warned that on the nights of April 29 and 30, frosts of 0…-2°C are expected in Kyiv, and a yellow danger level has been declared.
Will there be precipitation?
Significant precipitation is unlikely by the end of the workweek, but due to the cold air mass, brief showers are possible in some areas. In the north and west, they may mix with wet snow.
Forecasters remind us that precipitation is unlikely by the end of the workweek; however, due to the presence of an Arctic air mass, it is advisable to dress warmer and closely monitor forecasts for agricultural work.
Read us on Telegram: important topics – without censorship
