Ukraine will be hit by a record-breaking winter: meteorologists warn of a sharp cold snap
Фото: Freepik
The winter of 2026 in Ukraine could be one of the coldest in recent years, meteorologists warn. According to experts, the upcoming winter season promises to be unstable and rich in weather contrasts.
Honored Meteorologist of Ukraine Vazira Martazinova, in an interview for Glavred, shared her observations about when the first serious frosts will come to the country, what the weather will be like in early December, and what to expect for the New Year.
According to the expert, in the last month of autumn, an active cyclone is approaching Ukraine, which is associated with the strengthening of the Arctic center. Because of this, the climate is now noticeably cooler, even though September 2025 was a record warm month – the temperature exceeded the norm by one degree.
In November, precipitation is expected to be moderate: up to 10 mm by the middle of the month, and short-term rains are possible from November 1 to 5. After the 5th, you should prepare for more intense precipitation, but after November 7, the rains will stop, and the air will gradually begin to cool down.
A sharp drop in temperature is forecast closer to November 25, which will last until early December. At night, thermometers may drop to -9…-12°C, and during the day the temperature will fluctuate around zero.
The first month of winter is forecast to be quite wet. In particular, from December 11 to 13, a period of heavy precipitation is expected – mostly in the form of wet snow. Another cold snap is likely by mid-December: at night the temperature will drop to -6…-7°C, and during the day it will stay around +3…+5°C.
Martazinova noted that a sharp drop in temperature without snow cover could create problems for agriculture – freezing of open soil harms winter crops.
On the eve of the New Year holidays, the temperature will drop again, and wet snow is possible. However, according to the meteorologist, severe frosts are not expected on New Year’s Day – the temperature will reach +5°C during the day. Although there will be no abnormally warm weather, as in previous years, this time too: the winter will be typical for Ukrainian conditions, with periods of moderate frosts.
The coldest phase of winter will likely fall at the end of January. That’s when frosts are forecast to reach -10…-12°C at night and around -5°C during the day.
Ukrainians will see the first serious snow at the end of November, but due to the above-zero temperatures in December, a stable snow cover is not expected – the snow will mostly be wet and will melt quickly.
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