Saskylah, Yakutia: -7,7°C, Possible Lowest Mid-June Temperature in History! June Record -12,6°C, but July only -2,1°C
Marek Kučera 
In a surprising development, Saskylah, a remote locality in Yakutia, Russia, has recorded a chilling -7.7°C in June 16th 2025. This temperature is exceptionally low for this time of year and could be one of the coldest mid-June readings ever documented in the region, approaching the all-time June record low of -12.6°C.
❄️ A Cold Anomaly Amid Siberian Summer
Yakutia is infamous for its brutal winters but typically sees rapid warming as summer approaches. A temperature of -7.7°C in mid-June defies expectations, as June in this part of Siberia usually marks the transition into mild conditions.
Interestingly, the record lows contrast sharply with July’s climate. The lowest recorded temperature in July is just -2.1°C, illustrating how rare freezing conditions become as summer progresses.
🌡️ What Causes Such Early Summer Cold?
This anomalous cold snap is attributed to several meteorological factors:
- Persistent Arctic air masses pushing southward, bringing frigid air deep into Siberia
- Clear skies overnight promoting strong radiative cooling, dropping temperatures sharply
- Influence of local geography, including snow patches and permafrost areas that reflect solar heat and maintain cooler ground temperatures
📉 June vs. July Temperature Patterns in Yakutia
- June record low: -12.6°C
- Current mid-June low: -7.7°C (potential near-record for mid-June)
- July record low: -2.1°C
This stark difference highlights the rapid warming from June to July, with July temperatures rarely dropping below freezing, signaling the firm arrival of summer warmth.
🌍 Why This Matters
Such unusually cold temperatures in mid-June can impact:
- The thawing of permafrost, potentially delaying seasonal meltwater flows
- Early growing seasons, stressing plants and local agriculture
- Wildlife behaviors adapted to typical seasonal temperature patterns
- The daily lives of Yakutia’s inhabitants, who rely on predictable weather for travel and resource management
🔬 Scientific Context
While global warming trends dominate the long-term climate outlook, Siberia’s weather remains highly variable. Cold snaps like this are influenced by complex interactions between Arctic air masses and atmospheric circulation patterns. They provide valuable data for understanding the nuanced effects of climate change in Arctic and sub-Arctic zones.
🧭 Outlook for Summer 2025
Temperatures are expected to rise as July approaches, with the probability of freezing temperatures dropping sharply after June. The historical July low of -2.1°C underscores this warming trend, making mid-June freezes even more notable.
In summary, the recent -7.7°C reading in Saskylah serves as a striking reminder of Siberia’s extreme and unpredictable climate, where even early summer can bring surprises close to historic lows.
Illustration picture: https://ultima0thule.blogspot.com/2009/12/yakutia-chyskhaan-lord-of-cold.html
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskylakh
