The Lomonosov Moscow State University Meteorological Observatory recorded snow depth in Moscow at 80 cm. This is the highest level in all 72 years of observations, according to the university’s press service.

The total precipitation from atmospheric fronts within the cyclone system over a 24-hour period reached 24.4 mm. This value ranks seventh among the largest daily solid precipitation totals for the cold season since 1954. The absolute winter precipitation record of 31.4 mm was recorded on December 14, 1981.

Moscow’s snow-melting facilities have switched to round-the-clock enhanced operation. Heavy snowfall began on the night of February 19, with an orange weather hazard level declared in the capital and surrounding region. Moscow airports have canceled 40 flights over the past day.

Lomonosov Moscow State University Meteorological Observatory

The Lomonosov Moscow State University Meteorological Observatory, founded in 1954, is a key scientific facility located on the university’s main campus on Sparrow Hills. It was established to support meteorological research and education, providing long-term climate data for Moscow. The observatory continues to operate as an active site for atmospheric monitoring and student training.

Moscow

Moscow is the capital and largest city of Russia, with a history dating back over 800 years to its first recorded mention in 1147. It grew from a medieval fortress (the Kremlin) into the political and cultural heart of the Russian state, serving as the center of the Tsardom, the Soviet Union, and now the modern Russian Federation. The city is famed for its iconic landmarks like Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and the Kremlin complex, which reflect its long and turbulent history.

Moscow’s snow-melting facilities

Moscow’s snow-melting facilities are a network of specialized stations and heated drains built to efficiently remove the city’s heavy winter snowfall. This extensive system, which began development in the Soviet era and has been modernized significantly since the 2000s, melts collected snow using warm water, preventing urban disruption and reducing the environmental impact of chemical de-icers. It represents a major municipal engineering project unique to cold-climate megacities.

Moscow airports

Moscow’s airports, primarily Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Vnukovo, serve as major international and domestic gateways to Russia’s capital. Their development accelerated during the Cold War era, with Sheremetyevo famously opening in 1959 for the 1980 Moscow Olympics, while Domodedovo and Vnukovo have older origins dating to the Soviet period. Today, they form one of Eastern Europe’s busiest aviation hubs, reflecting Moscow’s global connectivity.