Welcome to the Siberian taiga.
As a city located in the Siberian taiga, Yakutsk can reach winter temperatures as cold as -80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, in the summer months of May to September, the city can reach temperatures of up to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The seasonal differences in Yakutsk are among the greatest in the world!
It is also the largest city built on permafrost, and many of the buildings are therefore built atop concrete piles. The Yakutsk Permafrost Institute actually investigates the dangers of buildings on the frozen soil. The heating inside of buildings can thaw the permafrost, and cause destabilization of the structures.
If you visit us in the winter season from October to April, you can expect to see some light snow, while in warmer weather, the precipitation falls as light rain. Snowfall isn't too heavy, since Yakutsk is located far inland. The winds lose their moisture from the Pacific Ocean when they cross over the coastal mountains. However, the intense cold prevents snow from melting in the winter, so snow, ice and frost accumulate. Locals say that only fur can keep one warm during these times! During melting periods in the summer, large amounts of flooding can occur.
The dry and cold conditions in the winter come from what is called the Siberian Anticyclone, or Siberian High. This is a semipermanent system of high atmospheric pressure centered around northeastern Siberia. The cold, dense, air in the anticyclone descends in a clockwise motion. This sinking prevents condensation of moisture from taking place, and clouds do not form.
It is also the largest city built on permafrost, and many of the buildings are therefore built atop concrete piles. The Yakutsk Permafrost Institute actually investigates the dangers of buildings on the frozen soil. The heating inside of buildings can thaw the permafrost, and cause destabilization of the structures.
If you visit us in the winter season from October to April, you can expect to see some light snow, while in warmer weather, the precipitation falls as light rain. Snowfall isn't too heavy, since Yakutsk is located far inland. The winds lose their moisture from the Pacific Ocean when they cross over the coastal mountains. However, the intense cold prevents snow from melting in the winter, so snow, ice and frost accumulate. Locals say that only fur can keep one warm during these times! During melting periods in the summer, large amounts of flooding can occur.
The dry and cold conditions in the winter come from what is called the Siberian Anticyclone, or Siberian High. This is a semipermanent system of high atmospheric pressure centered around northeastern Siberia. The cold, dense, air in the anticyclone descends in a clockwise motion. This sinking prevents condensation of moisture from taking place, and clouds do not form.