Forecasters predict cooling and first snow in the Carpathians in early November

The period of anomalously warm weather that lasted throughout October is coming to an end in Ukraine. According to data from the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Centre, colder air will begin to enter the country from 31 October, with temperatures dropping noticeably from 1 November. The most significant changes are expected in the Carpathians, where wet snow is forecast, as well as in certain western regions, where winter precipitation is possible during the first ten days of the new month.

End of anomalous warmth

Nataliia Ptukha, a forecaster at the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Centre, reported on the change in weather conditions. According to her, October 2026 turned out to be significantly warmer than the climate norm. Over the past two weeks, air temperatures in Ukraine exceeded the usual indicators for this period by 3–7 degrees.

However, as November approaches, the weather will begin to change. Ukrainians should prepare for lower temperatures, rain, fog and cool winds.

Temperature dynamics at the end of October

According to the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Centre's forecast, the weather will remain relatively warm in the coming days. Nighttime air temperatures will range from +3 to +11°C, while daytime thermometer readings will show between +7 and +14°C.

It will be warmest in Zakarpattia and the southern regions, where the air will warm up to +17°C in places. Meanwhile, due to the influence of a cyclone over the Black Sea, cloudy weather will prevail in most regions, with light rain expected in places.

The first noticeable changes will begin on 31 October, when colder air starts to enter Ukraine. The forecaster notes that the cooling will not be sudden: temperatures will decrease gradually, and weather conditions will increasingly resemble late autumn. Fog, high humidity and a cool north-westerly wind are also possible.

Forecast for the first days of November

The start of November will bring a noticeable drop in temperature in most regions of Ukraine. Nighttime temperatures are expected to range from +1 to +6°C, although it will be slightly warmer in the south — up to +10°C.

Daytime temperatures will be distributed as follows:

• Western regions: mostly between +5 and +10°C.
• North of Ukraine: temperatures will be around +5…+10°C.
• Central regions: between +5 and +10°C is forecast in most regions.
• South of Ukraine: the air will warm up to +14°C.
• South-east: temperatures may also reach +14°C.
• Carpathians: between -2 and +3°C throughout the day, with wet snow in places.

Light rain is possible in the western regions, as well as in Zhytomyr, Kyiv and Odesa oblasts. Cloudy weather will prevail, and the north-westerly wind will intensify the feeling of cold.

First snow cover in the mountains

The first signs of winter weather are already being observed in the highlands of the Carpathians. Specifically, on 27 October, the air temperature on Mount Pip Ivan dropped to -4°C, and the peak was partially covered in snow. According to forecaster data, a snow cover up to 14 centimetres high has already formed in places in the highland areas of the Carpathians.

Nataliia Ptukha noted that during the first ten days of November, rain may turn into snow not only in the highlands but also in certain western regions of Ukraine. Meanwhile, forecasters have not yet specified the exact dates and areas of possible snowfall. The Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Centre will publish a more detailed forecast after refining the weather models.

It is important to understand that the appearance of wet snow does not yet mean the start of full-fledged winter. Due to positive air temperatures, precipitation may melt quickly, failing to form a stable snow cover.

Weather in Kyiv and prospects for November

In the capital, the last days of October will also be accompanied by gradual weather changes. According to the forecast, dry weather without significant precipitation will prevail in Kyiv on 29 and 30 October. However, rain and a cool northerly wind are expected on 31 October and 1 November. Nighttime air temperatures will range from +4 to +8°C, while daytime temperatures will remain around +10°C. Despite the cooling, snow is not yet forecast for the capital on these dates.

According to preliminary forecasts from the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Centre, the average monthly air temperature in November 2026 will range from +1 to +7°C. These indicators generally correspond to the climate norm for the last month of autumn.

November is a transitional period between autumn and winter. Usually, the pre-winter period begins after the average daily temperature steadily drops below the +5°C mark. According to forecaster forecasts, this transition may occur in most of Ukraine's territory during the first ten days of November. This means that nighttime temperatures will gradually approach zero, and the likelihood of wet snow will increase. However, there is currently no reason to expect prolonged frosts or a stable snow cover in most regions at the beginning of November.

What to expect in the near future

The end of October will bring Ukraine the last days of relatively warm weather, after which gradual cooling will begin. The most noticeable changes will be felt by residents of the western, northern and central regions. Light frosts and wet snow are already possible in the Carpathians, while the first winter precipitation may appear in certain western regions between 1 and 10 November. In the south and south-east of Ukraine, temperatures will remain slightly higher.

Forecasters emphasise that November weather is changeable, so forecasts regarding the first snowfalls will require refinement. Meanwhile, Ukrainians should already prepare for colder nights, rain and high humidity, which will be characteristic of the start of the last month of autumn.