Arctic cold grips Moscow

Strong winter cold, known in Russia as "Athanasian frosts," has gripped Moscow and much of Russia. Temperatures in some parts of Moscow dropped to minus 25 degrees. The peak of the cold is expected on January 30, when temperatures may reach -29 degrees Centigrade.

Last night, on January 29^th, in the village Cherusti in the Moscow region, temperatures hit -30.4 degrees.

About 20 people suffered from frostbite in the capital last night. Schools were recommended to cancel classes in case temperatures fall below -25 degrees.

The danger associated with high blood pressure that accompanies severe cold, still threatens those suffering from cardiovascular diseases and asthma.

During the coming weekend, the weather will change for the better: meteorologists forecast -15 ... -20 at nighttime, and -7 ... -12 degrees during the daytime. Arctic cold is said to end in the beginning of February.