Winter of 2026-2027 in Ukraine may be milder than usual. According to preliminary calculations by forecasters, the average temperature of winter months may exceed the climatic norm by 1-2 degrees. At the same time, periods of frosty weather and invasions of cold arctic air remain possible, reports Ukrinform.

Natalia Ptukha, head of the media communications department of the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center of the State Emergency Service, said this on October 23 during a briefing.

According to her, preliminary estimates by Ukrainian and international meteorologists indicate a possible excess of average temperatures in the winter months over long-term indicators.

One of the reasons for the likely milder winter will be the predominance of western transfer of air masses from the Atlantic Ocean. Such circulation usually contributes to the arrival of relatively warm and humid air in Ukraine.

However, forecasters emphasize that a generally warmer winter season does not exclude short-term periods of significant cooling.

In particular, Ukraine may still be affected by arctic air, which causes frosts. According to experts' observations, in recent years such cold periods have become shorter, but do not completely disappear.

Thus, even if the average temperature in winter is higher than the climatic norm, individual weeks or days may be frosty. Therefore, it is not worth giving up preparations for the cold ahead of time.

Forecasters reminded about weather danger levels

During the briefing, Natalia Ptukha also emphasized the need to follow official warnings of the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center, especially during periods of adverse winter weather.

In Ukraine, there are three levels of danger of meteorological phenomena:

  • Yellow - weather conditions may cause inconvenience and complicate certain types of activities.
  • Orange - dangerous phenomena, during which it is recommended to limit being outdoors without urgent need.
  • Red - the highest level of danger, which implies the need to limit movement as much as possible and follow the recommendations of relevant services.

The representative of the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center called to pay attention not only to the level of danger, but also to the territory and period of validity of the warning. Forecasts may be updated depending on the development of the weather situation.

The current temperature estimates for winter are also preliminary. The specific duration of frosts, the lowest temperatures and the amount of precipitation cannot be determined by such seasonal calculations.

Based on materials from: Ukrinform