Moscow Experiences Early Heatwave with Temperatures Exceeding 30°C... People Stroll in Bikinis

Highest Temperature in 60 Years... Soaring Up to 30.5°C
Russian Authorities Issue Warnings Over Wildfire and Other Natural Disaster Concerns

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] In Moscow, the capital of Russia, an unusual spring heatwave has brought temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius for the first time in over 60 years. With temperatures more than double the average for May, Russian authorities have issued warnings due to concerns over disasters such as wildfires.

According to Russian news agencies including TASS on the 17th (local time), temperatures at some observation points in Moscow city soared to 30.5 degrees Celsius. This record is known to be the highest temperature recorded in May in over 60 years. According to Moscow city authorities, the average temperature in Moscow in May is only about 13 degrees Celsius.

Russian meteorological authorities stated that the temperature on this day surpassed the previous highest record of 27.1 degrees Celsius set in 1958 during the Soviet era. Since weather observations began in Russia, the highest spring temperature was recorded on May 17, 1879, during the Imperial Russia era, at 31 degrees Celsius. With temperatures in Moscow expected to rise above 32 degrees on the 18th, the all-time record is likely to be broken.

Due to concerns over natural disasters such as wildfires caused by the sudden heatwave, Russian authorities have issued warnings. Moscow city authorities issued an 'orange' alert for the area on this day. This alert is one level below the worst-case 'red' alert, indicating a high possibility of natural disasters caused by the weather.