Severe Cold Stretch Rattles Siberia

Severe frost has hit many regions in Russia, from Siberia to the central part of the country.

In Krasnoyarsk at the Yenisei river the temperature fell to minus 18 degrees Fahrenheit on Monday (December 17), the forecast for Tuesday (December 18) was minus 26, growing by the weekend up to minus 11.

Siberia is facing abnormal frosts according to local media. Strong frosts and temperatures as low as minus 44 degrees Fahrenheit have been registered in Altai, minus 47 in Novosibirsk, and minus 49 in Tomsk, regional media reported.

The heavy frost is forecast to last until at least the end of the weekend, local media said.

Bus companies cancelled several routes, causing pedestrians on the street to endure the harsh conditions on their way to work, school or back home.

Local authorities recommended citizens stay at home if possible, and worked to strengthen control on local energy supplies and heating networks.

Lessons were cancelled in some schools in Tyva in southern Siberia due to temperatures dropping to minus 40 degrees.

More than 30 people suffering from frost-bite were admitted to hospitals in Tyumen in western Siberia, according to Interfax news agency and many schools delayed their lessons in Ishim, Tobolsk, Tyumen and other regional cities and towns.

Source: Reuters