Right now, if you step outside in Siberia, the air doesn’t just feel cold. It feels like a physical weight pressing against your skin. Honestly, it’s the kind of cold that makes your eyelashes brittle in seconds. As of Friday, January 16, 2026, the current temperature in the region is sitting at a bone-chilling -49°F.
But the number on the thermometer is only half the story.
Because of a steady 4 mph wind coming out of the northwest, the "feels like" temperature has plummeted to -65°F. That is the kind of reality where exposed skin can freeze in a matter of minutes. You’ve probably heard stories about how tough people are in these parts, but even for locals, today is about survival more than anything else. It's a nighttime scene right now, mostly characterized by partly cloudy skies and a very slight 5% chance of snow.
Basically, it's a frozen, silent world out there.
The Reality of Weather in Siberia Today
Most people think of Siberia as a monolithic block of ice, but the dynamics on the ground right now are actually quite weird. We are seeing a 75% humidity level, which is relatively high for such extreme cold. Usually, when it gets this deep into the negatives, the air turns crisp and bone-dry. Not today.
The forecast for the rest of Friday shows a slight "warm-up"—if you can even call it that. We’re looking at a high of -39°F during the day. It’ll be mostly sunny, which is a bit of a cruel joke when the sun has zero power to actually warm the ground. The UV index is a flat 0.
Why does this matter? Well, for anyone traveling or living here, the lack of sun heat means the ground remains a literal heat sink.
The wind is expected to stay consistent. Northwest at 4 mph. It sounds gentle, but at -49°F, every mile per hour of wind speed is a threat.
What’s Happening in the Cities?
If you look at Yakutsk, the situation is slightly different but no less intense. The mercury there is hitting -21°F tonight, but it feels like -33°F. It’s cloudy, and they’ve got a 10% chance of light snow.
Yesterday in Yakutsk was even grimmer.
The high only reached -20°F with a low of -28°F.
People always ask: "How do you even function?"
You don't. At least, not like you do in London or New York. In cities like Yakutsk, the schools don't even think about closing until it hits around -45°C (which is about -49°F). Today is right on that edge.
The Bigger Picture: 2026 and the "New Normal"
Siberia is currently the poster child for what scientists are calling "reliable instability."
Recent studies from the University of Sheffield and the University of Helsinki have highlighted that Central Siberia is becoming a "hotspot" for extreme weather swings. We aren't just seeing steady cold anymore. We are seeing bizarre pulses. For instance, earlier this month, parts of Russia saw a sudden "deep freeze" after an unseasonably warm December.
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This "whiplash" weather is dangerous.
- Ice Crusting: Rapid temperature shifts cause snow to melt and then refreeze into a hard shell.
- Wildlife Impact: Reindeer can't dig through that ice crust to get to the lichen they eat.
- Agriculture: The winter wheat crop is currently at its highest risk of "winterkill" in years because the snow cover—which acts as insulation—is too thin or has been compromised by these temperature swings.
Honestly, the weather in Siberia today is proof that the old climate models are basically useless. We're seeing a "lazy, wobbly jet stream" that allows Arctic air to dump south while simultaneously letting weirdly moist air creep into the tundra.
What to Do If You're Actually There
If you find yourself in the middle of this Siberian winter, "dressing in layers" isn't just advice; it's a technical requirement.
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You need a base layer that wicks moisture. Sweat is your enemy here. If you get damp and then stop moving, that moisture will freeze against your body. You need a heavy down parka, fur or high-tech synthetic boots, and—this is the part most people forget—a face mask. Breathing in -49°F air directly can actually damage your lung tissue over time.
Actionable Survival Steps for Extreme Cold:
- Monitor the Wind: A jump from 4 mph to 10 mph wind can drop the "feels like" temp by another 10 to 15 degrees.
- Check Your Vehicle: Most locals here keep their engines running 24/7. If you turn it off, the oil can turn into a jelly-like sludge that won't circulate.
- Hydrate: You don't feel thirsty in the cold, but the dry air saps moisture from your breath. Drink water even if you don't want to.
- Watch for Frostnip: If your skin turns white and numb, get inside immediately. Do NOT rub it; you’ll just damage the tissue.
The weather in Siberia today is a stark reminder of the planet's extremes. While the rest of the world might be worried about a bit of rain or a mild breeze, the people in the heart of Russia are dealing with a reality where the air itself is a hazard.
Stay warm. Stay inside if you can. And keep an eye on that northwest wind—it’s the real killer today.