Yakutia sees longest cold spell in 14 years as Siberia quivers through abnormally harsh temperatures

The Siberian region of Yakutia has shivered through its longest cold spell in 14 years, with temperatures plunging below -40 °C (-40 °F) during the middle of December 2020. The area is currently in the grip of an abnormally long period of harsh cold that is considered unusual, even for Siberia's standards.

In December 2020, temperatures in the Yakutia region plummeted below -40 °C (-40 °F) and has not climbed above that since, making it one of the longest periods of subzero cold in the area in at least 14 years, according to the Associated Press (AP).

Even for Siberia's standards, the long period of cold is unusual and harsh, AP noted. Over the recent days, the mercury dropped even further to a bone-chilling -50 °C (-58 °F).

"The main rule is not to stand in one place and to keep going and going," said Yakutsk resident Dmitry Kuznetsov.

On Monday morning, January 18, 2021, a low of -58.1 °C (-72.6 °F) was observed in Delyankir, a small district northeast of Yakutsk.

Harsh cold conditions are forecast to further intensify, with temperatures of -50 °C (-58 °F) expected across Siberia until the end of January.

Julie Celestial

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