Anomalous Frosts in Ukraine: When to Expect the Peak of Cold Down to -24.

According to ТСН: Ukraine is covered by anomalous cold and snowfalls, and according to experts' forecasts, such weather conditions will last at least a week.

Ecologist Oleksandr Sokolenko notes that residents of Kyiv have almost forgotten what a real winter is like, as in recent years winters in the capital have become significantly milder.

"The most severe frosts in Kyiv were in 2012, when thermometers showed minus 27 degrees. Before that, low temperatures of up to 27 degrees were observed in 2006," says TSN.ua ecologist Oleksandr Sokolenko.

Where Did the Strong Frost and Snow Come From

At the beginning of the week, two southern cyclones passed over Ukraine, bringing intense precipitation.

"They moved from the southern part of the Black Sea through Odesa and Kherson regions to the northeast. As a result, intense precipitation fell in Ukraine. In the southern and southeastern parts of the country, people found themselves in the warm zone of this cyclone, where heavy rains occurred. At the center of the cyclone, where cold and warm air masses met, mixed precipitation occurred, including ice rain. This also happened in Kyiv," explains Oleksandr Sokolenko.

He adds that ice rain occurred due to the temperature difference: near the ground, it was about two degrees below freezing, while in the rain clouds, the temperature was above zero. The rain, hitting the cold ground, turned into ice.

"In the western part of Ukraine, unbearable snowfalls were observed. All this is the result of two cyclones that moved along a similar trajectory. They brought various precipitation: rain, ice rain, and snow. Kyiv suffered the most: here, both snow and rain fell, which turned into ice. The capital found itself on the border of warm and cold fronts," notes Sokolenko.

Following the cyclone's movement to the northeast, arctic air began to actively enter Ukraine.

"Around the cyclone, air circulates counter-clockwise. It has moved to the northeast and began to actively pull in cold arctic air. This will mainly affect the north and west of Ukraine; especially suffering will be the Chernihiv region, although frosts will also reach the south. The best situation will remain in the southeast, where above-zero temperatures or light frosts were recorded," explains Sokolenko.

The ecologist emphasizes that winters have been quite warm in recent years, and this year the cyclones have brought cold weather.

When to Expect Warming

Frosts are expected to intensify in the coming days.

"In the coming days, Kyiv, Kyiv region, and the south of Belarus will become the coldest place in Europe. Even in the highlands of the Caucasus, it will be warmer than in Kyiv region. Moscow is forecasted to be minus 9 degrees. That is, in no country affected by the influence of the two cyclones are such low temperatures expected. In Kyiv region, temperatures could reach up to 22 degrees below zero," forecasts Sokolenko.

He also notes that it is still impossible to say exactly how long such frosts will last, but there is a likelihood that warmth will not come until the next weekend. The peak of the cold is forecasted for January 13, 14, 15, and 16.

"During this period, the temperature in Kyiv region could reach up to 22 degrees below zero. In the west of Ukraine, for example, in Lviv region, frosts will be less intense — 9-10 degrees. The coldest will be in the north of Chernihiv region — up to 24 degrees below zero. In the south of Ukraine, frosts will not be extreme: in Odesa region — from 6 to 9 degrees, and in Crimea — from 2 to 7," says the expert.

Sokolenko notes that by the end of the week there may be a weakening of frosts, but do not expect warming.

"Warm weather is currently postponed. This is due to the fact that a significant area of Europe, including Ukraine, has fallen under a thick layer of snow. As is known, snow reflects sunlight and hinders the warming of the earth's surface. The more snow there is, the colder the weather will be. Therefore, thaw is unfortunately not on the agenda," explains Oleksandr Sokolenko.

Risks for Plants and Birds — Who is at Risk

The ecologist emphasizes the threat to gardeners in Kyiv region, as there is a risk of fruit trees freezing.

"There is a significant risk of fruit trees freezing, particularly with such capricious plants as persimmon, which many gardeners in Kyiv region grow. Thanks to the rising temperatures, persimmon has taken root here, but now it is under threat. Decorative trees, including magnolias, which cannot withstand such frosts, may also suffer. Recently, many new plants have grown in the Kyiv region, all of which are at risk of dying," notes the ecologist.

Moreover, such weather can significantly impact birds, as they cannot find food, since everything is under snow.

"Therefore, I recommend that people feed birds during this period. It is best to feed tits with sunflower seeds or nuts. From my own experience, I will say that it is easier to buy a large bag of seeds and feed the birds over a long time by spreading it in feeders. This year many birds are coming to us, even forest ones are looking for food in Kyiv. According to statistics, a significant portion of birds dies during cold periods," says Oleksandr Sokolenko.

The ecologist also urges to provide birds with the opportunity to drink water, as water freezes in the frost.

"Now waterfowl have almost no places for water — bodies of water are freezing, even those areas where there was active current. Such birds also need help, they should be fed," says the ecologist.

High Threat of Air Attacks

In such weather conditions, there is a likelihood that the enemy will exploit the situation for air attacks.

"The air temperature is dropping, and this is well known in Russia. So the enemy may strike at the peak of the cold. If such attacks happen, it will lead to even less electricity and heat. Especially if the Russians make repeated strikes on the energy infrastructure. It is during this frosty period that the likelihood of such strikes is very high. We need to be prepared," notes Oleksandr Sokolenko.

The situation in Ukraine raises concerns not only due to the weather but also due to possible air attacks from the occupiers. According to forecasts, despite the cold, Ukrainians must be on guard, as various factors impacting the energy and ecosystem systems leave the region at risk.

Ecologists warn of potential consequences for plants and birds, highlighting the importance of supporting nature during difficult times. This can be done by showing simple human kindness, feeding birds, and providing them with water during times when natural resources become limited.