Added: 02/19/2006 |
Temperatures in moscow and St.PetersburgIn general, Russia's climate is similar to that of Canada, although winters are even colder and there are greater temperature extremes in many places. Much of the land lies north of the 50th parallel of latitude and far from the moderating influences of the oceans. Most of the country has a harsh continental climate with only two seasons: long, cold winters and short, relatively cool summers. The average yearly temperature of nearly all of European Russia is below freezing, and the average for most of Siberia is freezing or below.
During winter, an intensely cold high-pressure system covers most of the land, especially Siberia. This time of year, winds prevail from the south and southwest, but high mountains in the south prevent warmer air from reaching into Russia. Large areas of the country experience snow cover for half the year, with permafrost all year.
In summer, winds blow predominantly from the northwest, bringing low-pressure systems from the North Atlantic Ocean. Most of Russia lies in a zone of westerly weather patterns, and the primary marine influence comes from the Atlantic.
Most of the country has only light to modest precipitation, the majority of which comes in winter. Across the Great European Plain, average annual precipitation decreases from more than 800 mm (32 in) in western Russia to less than 400 mm (16 in) along the Caspian Sea coast. Throughout Siberia, annual precipitation generally ranges from 500 to 800 mm (20 to 32 in), with precipitation amounts generally less than 300 mm (12 in) in northeastern Siberia. The coldest winter temperatures occur in eastern Siberia, while air from the Atlantic Ocean tempers conditions somewhat in the west.
The Moscow climate is moderately continental, although it is more then in other European cities. Temperatures in Moscow amplitude is 28 C. Typical high temperatures in Moscow in the warm months of July and August are +30°C (85-90°F); in the winter, temperatures in Moscow may drop to -15°C (3°F) in January and February. The cool period of the year starts in September, 29 and ends in May,10. Normally, the rainfall ranges within 540...650mm per year. The rainy period lasts from April to October. The duration of the severe snow period is estimated thus: November, 26 - April, 11. The height of the snow cover reaches 35 cm in the end of winter. Atmospheric pressure, that doesn't strongly change during the year, is 747mm. Winds in Moscow may blow in any direction, but during periods of warm weather the north-western ones prevail, while the south-western winds are proper to cool seasons.
Temperatures in Moscow are rather unstable, and the weather forecast service is the most common object for jokes. One of possible reasons justifying not quite reliable forecasts is considerable temperature amplitude between parts of Moscow, it may reach 10C in spring or autumn.
St.Petersburg climate is characterized by an intermediate (from nautical to continental) climate. It is quite mild and humid with frequent fogs and rains. There can be quite dry and hot periods in summer time, when the temperature goes up to +25oC - +30oC, but they last for a week maximum. Precipitation is not too plentiful, being 550 - 600 mm per annum. August is the rainiest month. High humidity is the result of the lack of sunny days. The average July temperature is + 17.8oC.
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