There will be almost no snow: what will winter be like in Ukraine and when to expect spring

The winter of 2026–2027 in Ukraine may be relatively warm, without prolonged severe frosts and significant snowfalls. Stable snow cover will be difficult to form, and the end of winter is predicted to begin in the second half of February.

This was told to “Telegraph” by Vazira Martazinova, professor and chief research fellow at the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Institute.

According to her calculations, an abnormally cold winter is not expected this season. At the same time, individual short-term periods of frost are possible.

“I do not expect the severe cold that is feared now. Of course, if there is no heating, people will be cold, but that is another matter. This is my forecast, compiled according to my model,” the scientist said.

November is forecast to be mostly warmer than normal. During the day, temperatures could stay around 10 degrees Celsius , and at night, they could drop to around 5 degrees Celsius .

Martazinova does not expect significant snow in November. Wet snow is possible at the end of the month, but it will most likely melt quickly.

December is also forecast to be warmer than normal. Cold snaps are possible in the second half of the month, when nighttime temperatures will drop to 5–7 degrees below zero in some places.

At the same time, the scientist does not predict a stable snow cover in the first month of winter. Wet snow and rain are possible, and at the end of the month there may be more snow, but due to temperature fluctuations it will melt.

“It will be more like late autumn, early winter, than a regular winter,” Martazinova explained.

In January, the weather will be more changeable. On some days, the temperature during the day can rise to about 5 degrees Celsius , and during short cold snaps at night it can drop below 10 degrees Celsius .

However, the scientist does not expect prolonged severe frosts. Her calculations also do not show significant snowfalls. According to her, it will be difficult for a stable high snow cover to form.

Martazinova predicts the end of winter as early as the second half of February , when processes characteristic of spring may begin.

The scientist attributes this weather pattern, in particular, to the influence of El Niño. At the same time, she emphasized that this is a long-term forecast based on her own model, so the actual weather may differ.

A milder winter will be of particular importance for Ukraine’s energy system amid the threat of new Russian attacks. Earlier, Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal reported that Russia has prepared a detailed plan for strikes on Ukraine’s energy sector in the winter .

At the same time, Ukraine has accumulated the necessary gas reserves ahead of schedule for the 2026–2027 heating season .

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