A powerful snowstorm swept across Moscow on Sunday, coating the city in a thick layer of snow and transforming its streets into a wintry landscape, despite the season already transitioning into spring. Red Square, one of the city's most iconic landmarks, was blanketed in up to 10 centimeters (approximately 4 inches) of snow—a dramatic shift following an unusually warm winter.

Meteorologists were quick to note the extremity of the event. They forecast that the city would receive the entire month's average snowfall within just two days—Sunday and Monday—an occurrence that buried blooming spring flowers under a frosty layer. The sudden return of winter came with a sharp drop in temperature, plunging from a balmy 16°C (60.8°F) on Friday to below freezing by Sunday, jolting residents unprepared for the abrupt change.

The unexpected snowfall disrupted more than just the landscape. Transportation authorities across the greater Moscow region, which includes over 22 million residents, issued urgent warnings to drivers. Many had already swapped out their winter tires in anticipation of consistently warmer weather—a routine seasonal shift that suddenly backfired with the arrival of blizzards. In Russia, the use of winter tires is mandatory during colder months, and failure to use them in snowy conditions poses serious safety risks.

City services scrambled to respond. Snow plows and de-icing crews were dispatched across Moscow to clear roads, sidewalks, and major public spaces. Meanwhile, delays were reported on public transportation, and flights in and out of Moscow’s major airports faced temporary disruptions due to poor visibility and snow accumulation. The city, caught off guard by the return of winter, was reminded of how quickly nature can reverse seasonal expectations.

This late-season storm underscores the increasingly unpredictable patterns of global weather. Moscow's winter had been notably mild, with temperatures often hovering well above freezing and snowfall levels far below historical norms. The abrupt return of blizzard conditions in April raises questions about shifting climate patterns and the strain they place on urban planning and infrastructure.

While many Muscovites took to social media to share striking images of the snow-covered city, the sudden cold snap also reignited public conversations about climate unpredictability. From disrupted commutes to damaged early-blooming vegetation, the storm served as a reminder that even in the modern age, nature still holds the upper hand.