Snowfall and frost will prevail: forecaster gives weather forecast for January

January 2026 in Ukraine promises to be very changeable and full of sharp temperature fluctuations. Ukrainians will experience both severe frosts and periods of thaw, and the weather will be unstable with frequent precipitation, fog and ice on the roads. This was reported by Telegraf.

At the start of the new year, Ukrainian regions will be affected by a cold winter front. Snowfall and frost will prevail in most areas. According to weather forecasters, on the night of 1-2 January, the air temperature may drop to -13…-18 °C in some places, especially in the western, northern and eastern regions of the country. Daytime temperatures will remain below zero, contributing to the formation of a stable snow cover, and roads may become slippery due to black ice.

Starting on 3 January, the weather situation will begin to change. Under the influence of active cyclones and the arrival of warm air from southern regions of Europe, temperatures will gradually rise to 0°C and above. This will cause thaws, intense snowmelt and fog. Precipitation will mainly be in the form of rain, wet snow and drizzle. In some regions, ice and gusty winds are possible, making it necessary to exercise caution on the roads.

Weather in January in Ukraine

A gradual decrease in temperature is expected in the second half of January. This is due to the arrival of cold Scandinavian air in the southern latitudes of Ukraine. Although the frosts will be less severe than at the beginning of the month, the temperature will remain unstable. Atmospheric pressure will be mostly within the normal range, with light to moderate snowfall possible in some areas. Overall, the weather will be more stable than at the beginning of January.

The third decade of January will be influenced by increased atmospheric pressure in Europe. As a result, precipitation will decrease, and temperatures will correspond to the long-term average. In the western and southern regions, temperatures may be slightly above normal. The likelihood of severe and dangerous weather events during this period is low, making the last days of the month more comfortable for travel and planning everyday activities.

Overall, January 2026 in Ukraine will be slightly warmer than the climatic norm, with the average monthly air temperature forecast to be 1-2.5 °C higher. In the western and north-western regions, the temperature will fluctuate between -5 and +2 °C, and in the highlands of the Carpathians, the air will be colder – around -7 to -9 °C.

The coldest days will be on 1-2 January, and in the first ten days of the month, daily heat records may be set in some places. The weather will be wet, with unstable snow cover, frequent fog and ice. Particular attention should be paid to roads and pedestrian areas, where slippery surfaces will form.

Thus, January 2026 promises to be full of weather fluctuations: from winter frosts to warm thaws, with periodic precipitation and difficult road conditions. Ukrainians should prepare for such fluctuations and exercise caution.