Yakutsk, Siberia is currently experiencing a bone-chilling temperature drop to -45 degrees Celsius this week. Known as the world’s coldest city, Yakutsk, situated in eastern Siberia, Russia, poses significant challenges to its residents who have adeptly adapted to the harsh conditions.
Despite the mercury plummeting to -45, locals were observed carrying on with their daily routines amidst frozen vehicles and icy walkways on Monday. The extreme cold snap has led to the closure of schools for the week, with students resorting to remote learning to cope with the frigid weather.
Located on the Lena River, approximately 450km south of the Arctic Circle, Yakutsk frequently endures some of the most severe winter temperatures globally, highlighting the relentless nature of Siberia’s climate. The city’s roughly 300,000 inhabitants combat the severe weather by donning multiple layers of clothing and indulging in copious amounts of hot tea.
Residents emphasize that as long as there is no biting wind exacerbating the cold during winter, the low temperatures are bearable. In local markets, refrigeration becomes unnecessary as fish and meat freeze almost instantly. However, indoor cooking continues unaffected, featuring hearty meat soups, stews, dumplings, porridge, and bread.
A Yakutsk local, Kiun B, cautions that without proper attire, one could easily freeze within minutes in such extreme conditions. In a YouTube video, she showcases the elaborate layers of clothing she dons just for a quick trip to the store, starting with leggings, camel wool knee pads, socks, and insulated padded trousers for warmth.
For the upper body, Kiun layers up with a jumper, lightweight jacket, and a heavy-duty winter coat specifically designed for Arctic winters. To ensure maximum warmth, she completes her ensemble with a woolly hat, scarf, mittens, and “yakutian fur boots,” highlighting the necessity of specialized gear in such freezing temperatures.
Kiun further shares insights into outdoor life in Yakutsk, describing how the freezing air can be a shock to the system, making breathing more challenging and every breath feel heavier. She underscores the city’s infrastructure being engineered to withstand extreme cold, with roads, buildings, and utilities designed to endure temperatures below -70 degrees Celsius, while most apartments are equipped with 24/7 central heating to combat the cold.
