Unusually strong April snowstorm disrupts Moscow, Russia
Wet snow and strong winds disrupted Moscow, Russia, on Monday, April 27, 2026, after Hydrometcenter warned that parts of the city could see strong precipitation, wet snow, icy roads, and gusts of 65–83 km/h (40–51 mph). Phobos forecaster Mikhail Leus reported preliminary daily record values for April 27, while city and regional authorities reported fallen trees, transport disruption, and power outages in parts of Moscow Oblast.
Hydrometcenter issued storm warnings at 06:49 LT for Moscow and Moscow Oblast, for wet snow, local icy conditions, and squally wind gusts. The agency warned that parts of Moscow could see gusts of 65–83 km/h (40–51 mph), while parts of Moscow Oblast could see gusts of 72-90 km/h (45-56 mph) through the end of April 27.
Forecast temperatures included 2-4°C (36-39°F) in Moscow and 0-5°C (32-41°F) in Moscow Oblast, western to northwestern winds of 25-43 km/h (16-27 mph), and local gusts of 65-83 km/h (40–51 mph).
“Wet snow is falling in the city. This weather will continue until tomorrow evening,” the Moscow Department of Transport said. “If you’ve already changed your winter tires to summer ones, leave your car at home today and use public transportation. It’s safe and reliable.”
Hydrometcenter reported 16 mm (0.6 inches) of overnight precipitation and 12 cm (4.7 inches) of snow depth at Moscow’s VDNKh station. The Moscow State University station recorded 21 mm (0.8 inches) of overnight precipitation and 14 cm (5.5 inches) of snow depth, while Dmitrov recorded 22 mm (0.9 inches) and 15 cm (5.9 inches).
Phobos forecaster Mikhail Leus reported that the 16 mm (0.6 inches) measured overnight at VDNKh exceeded the previous April 27 daily precipitation value of 14.7 mm (0.6 inches), set in 1880. Leus also reported 12 cm (4.7 inches) of snow cover in Moscow was above the previous 10 cm (3.9 inches) value for the date.
City services moved to reinforced operations as wet snow and wind affected transport and urban infrastructure.
Interfax reported that micromobility rentals were suspended, carsharing operators restricted access to vehicles with summer tires, and Moscow transport officials warned of possible local tram adjustments during the storm.
Rail operations were disrupted on the Savyolovsky and Kazansky directions of Moscow Railway. A contact-wire break between Lobnya and Mark suspended inbound traffic on the Savyolovsky direction, while snow and strong wind caused a tree to fall onto the track between Bykovo and Lyubertsy, temporarily stopping inbound traffic on the Kazansky direction.
Strong winds downed more than 110 trees in Moscow, while temporary power outages occurred in several municipal districts of Moscow Oblast, according to Governor Andrey Vorobyov.
More than 200 utility crews, 93 pieces of equipment, 22 forestry crews, 100 EMERCOM crews, and 40 mobile power stations were involved or on standby during the response.
References:
1 Late-April Snowfall Shatters Record in Moscow – The Moscow Times – April 27, 2026
2 Дептранс Москвы рекомендовал отказаться от поездок на летней резине из-за снега – TASS – April 27, 2026
Featured image: Moscow on April 27, 2026. Credit: TASS
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