Forecasters told about the Palm Sunday weather in 2026

On April 5, Orthodox Christians will celebrate one of the main twelve—day holidays - the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem, popularly known as Palm Sunday. Traditionally, the celebration is celebrated a week before Easter. On this day, believers visit churches, consecrate willow branches, and some go to the cemetery to put their graves in order after the winter. Izvestia found out what kind of weather is expected on the holiday and whether it is worth fearing the return of cold weather.

What kind of weather is expected for Palm Sunday, April 5, 2026

According to the forecast of the Hydrometeorological Center, April in the metropolitan region will begin with a steady warming. The average monthly air temperature in Moscow and the region is expected to reach +7... +8 degrees Celsius. This is one degree higher than the long-term average.

And although it is too early to make an accurate forecast for the holiday, the overall weather picture is already clear, Tatyana Pozdnyakova, a leading specialist at the Meteonosti news agency, told Izvestia. According to her, the weather on Palm Sunday and Lazarev Saturday preceding it will be determined by the area of low atmospheric pressure.

"The depression from the southern cyclone will spread to the region, due to which the warm air mass will remain. In Moscow at night, the air temperature is expected to be in the range of +2 ... +7 degrees. During the day, the air is expected to warm up to +13... +18 degrees. This is above the climatic norm for the beginning of April by about seven to eight degrees," the forecaster said.

The weather will be the same in the Moscow region. However, there may still be isolated patches of snow cover in lowlands, woodlands, and near ravines.

"There will still be snow on the Kola Peninsula, Komi, Arkhangelsk and Nizhny Novgorod regions, as well as in Western Siberia and the south of the Khabarovsk Territory by April 5. And he may stay in Yakutia until June," added Tatiana Pozdnyakova.

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In 2026, the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem will be celebrated on April 5.

Precipitation and clouds on Palm Sunday

Mostly cloudy or partly cloudy weather is expected in the metropolitan area on April 5. This is due to the influence of warm air masses, which increase evaporation and increase air humidity, which contributes to precipitation.

"Light rain is possible in some places, but it will be light and short-term precipitation, which will not have a significant impact on the overall weather situation. Moreover, such rains are even useful, since March in Moscow ends with a noticeable shortage of moisture," the forecaster noted.

In general, the weather conditions will correspond to early spring with variable clouds and periodic precipitation, but without a pronounced winter character.

Will the cold weather return on Palm Sunday

The beginning of April is traditionally considered a transitional period when atmospheric processes are still unstable. At this time, the seasons change, and weather conditions can change rapidly under the influence of various factors. That is why forecasters do not talk about a completely stable warming, even with the onset of heat.

The key factor remains the influence of cyclones, which form increased clouds, bring precipitation and can cause short-term temperature fluctuations. Such processes are typical for the beginning of spring and are not considered abnormal.

Nevertheless, there are no signs of a sharp cold snap on April 5, 2026. The temperature background remains positive, and the probability of a return of winter cold and snowfall is estimated as low.

What to consider when traveling to the cemetery and out of town

For many families, Palm Sunday is the time when it is customary to visit the graves of loved ones and put them in order before Easter. Such trips are often associated with trips outside the city, so weather conditions and road conditions become an important factor in planning.

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At this time, believers celebrate Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday.

According to Tatyana Pozdnyakova, in general, the situation with roads in Moscow and the region in early April will be favorable. The main snow cover will have already disappeared by this time, including at the entrances to cemeteries, and the roads themselves will be mostly dry, which is due to the peculiarities of the current season.

"This year's snowmelt was unusual: the snow did not melt, but evaporated. Therefore, heavy mud, typical for the spring season, is not expected on the holiday. And even if there are light rains, they will not have a noticeable effect on road conditions," she explained.

Folk signs about the Palm Sunday weather

Palm Sunday in Russia has always been not only a church, but also an important natural landmark. There are many weather signs associated with this day, reflecting long-term observations of nature. It was believed that the Palm Sunday weather could tell you what the upcoming season would be like.

For example, a windy day was perceived as a sign of a cool and changeable summer. If there was a cold snap on the holiday, this, on the contrary, was considered a favorable sign. The people said: "On palm frost, spring loaves will be good," linking short—term cold with a good harvest.

There were also observations linking Palm Sunday with the weather at Easter. According to beliefs, if clear and dry weather was established on this day, then by Easter conditions were expected to worsen — rain or bad weather. Conversely, an overcast day was perceived as a harbinger of sunny weather on the main Christian holiday.

Earlier, Izvestia told what kind of weather is expected for Easter.

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