The Siberian city of Yakutsk, widely known as the coldest city in the world, has experienced a record-breaking cold snap this week, with temperatures dropping to as low as -58°C (-72.4°F). The city, which is home to over 280,000 people, is shrouded in ice and fog, making life challenging for its residents and visitors.
Yakutsk is located in the Sakha Republic, a vast region in eastern Siberia that accounts for about a fifth of the world's production of diamonds, as well as other natural resources such as natural gas, oil, gold, and silver. The city is situated on the banks of the Lena River, about 450 km (280 miles) south of the Arctic Circle. The average temperature in January, the coldest month, is -40°C (-40°F), but this year it has been much colder than usual.
According to the local meteorological service, the city recorded a temperature of -58°C (-72.4°F) on Monday, the lowest in more than two decades. The previous record of -50°C (-58°F) was set on Saturday. The extreme cold is expected to last until the end of the week, with no significant warming in sight.
The residents of Yakutsk are accustomed to freezing temperatures, but they still have to take extra precautions to cope with the cold. They dress in layers, cover their faces with scarves and masks, and limit their time outdoors. They also use special antifreeze for their cars and keep them running even when parked. Some buildings are raised on stilts to prevent them from sinking into the permafrost, the layer of soil that is permanently frozen.
The cold also affects the daily activities and social life of the people. They tend to visit their neighbors for short periods of time, drinking hot tea and eating jam to warm up. They avoid unnecessary detours and window-shopping, and plan their outings carefully. They also have to deal with the phenomenon of "ice fog", which occurs when the hot air from houses, people, and cars cannot rise and condenses into tiny ice crystals that hang in the air.
Despite the challenges, some people find beauty and joy in the cold. They take pictures of the frozen cityscape, play ice hockey on the frozen river, and carve sculptures out of ice and snow. They also celebrate the annual Ice Festival, which features various cultural and sporting events, such as ice fishing, dog sledding, and ice skating.
The city also attracts tourists who want to experience the coldest place on Earth. They can visit the Kingdom of Permafrost, a museum that showcases the history and culture of the region, as well as the Mammoth Museum, which displays the remains of ancient animals that once roamed the area. They can also stay in the Ice Hotel, a unique accommodation made entirely of ice and snow.
The city of Yakutsk is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit. It shows that even in the most extreme conditions, people can find ways to survive and thrive.