Winter in the Carpathians isn't usually a walk in the park, but what’s happening right now across Romania is something else entirely. If you stepped outside this morning in Bucharest or Sibiu, you probably felt that immediate, sharp bite of air that makes your lungs sting. It’s not just "winter." It’s a full-on Siberian air mass that’s decided to park itself over the country, and honestly, it’s making the usual January chill look like a mild autumn day.
What’s actually happening with weather today in Romania
Basically, we are in the middle of a massive cold snap that the National Meteorological Administration (ANM) has been tracking for days. As of Sunday, January 18, 2026, the data is pretty stark. While the sun is actually out in many places—giving that deceptive "bluebird" look—the temperatures are staying brutally low.
Right now, the current temperature in many regions is sitting at around 22°F, but that number doesn't tell the whole story. Because of a steady 8 mph wind coming from the east, the feels-like temperature is a much harsher 12°F. That's the kind of cold that gets into your bones if you aren't wearing the right gear.
The humidity is also sitting high at 84%, which makes that freezing air feel heavy and damp. Even though the UV index is a measly 1, don't let the sunny sky fool you into thinking it's warming up. It isn't.
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The Numbers You Need to Know
- High Temperature Today: A maximum of 27°F.
- Low Temperature Tonight: Crashing down to a freezing 11°F.
- Wind Speeds: Hovering around 8 to 9 mph, mostly from the east.
- Precipitation: 0% chance of new snow today (we already got plenty earlier this week).
Why the Siberian air mass changed everything
A few days ago, ANM head Elena Mateescu warned that this wouldn't be a quick "in and out" storm. She was right. This Siberian influence has created a pressure system that is keeping the frigid air locked in. While the snowfall has paused for the moment, the "Yellow Warning for Extreme Low Temperature" is very much active.
In Bucharest, the alerts are specific: we had one warning end this morning, another running through the afternoon, and yet another starting at 8:00 PM tonight. Basically, the authorities are telling us that the "deep freeze" happens the moment the sun goes down.
If you're in the mountains—places like Sinaia or Predeal—the situation is even more intense. We've seen snow accumulation reach up to 30 cm in some spots recently. The roads are mostly open, but the Romanian Police are still reporting "winter conditions," which is code for "there's ice under that snow, so slow down."
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Misconceptions about this cold spell
A lot of people think that because it’s sunny, the ice will melt. That’s a mistake. When the high for the day is 27°F, nothing is melting. In fact, the "mixed precipitation" we saw earlier this week has frozen solid, creating a layer of black ice on secondary roads.
Another weird thing? The humidity. Usually, extreme cold is dry. But with 84% to 85% humidity, the air feels "wetter" and colder than the thermometer suggests. This is why the frostbite risk is higher than usual for this time of year; your body loses heat much faster when the air is this damp.
What to do if you’re traveling or commuting
Honestly, if you don't have to be out late tonight, don't be. When that temperature hits 11°F later, any moisture on the ground is going to turn into a skating rink.
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- Check your battery: Cold like this absolutely kills car batteries. If yours is more than three years old, it might struggle to crank tomorrow morning.
- Layers, not just thick coats: The humidity means you want a base layer that wicks moisture. Sweat + 12-degree wind chill = a very bad time.
- Mountain safety: If you’re heading to the Southern Carpathians, keep an eye on the wind. Gusts have been reaching 40-50 km/h in the passes, which can create instant whiteout conditions even if it isn't actually snowing.
The ANM expects these frigid conditions to persist until around January 25th. We aren't out of the woods yet. Keep your tires checked, keep your pets inside, and maybe keep an extra blanket in the car just in case.
To stay safe during this cold snap, monitor the official ANM alerts every six hours, as the "Yellow Code" for frost is being updated frequently. If you are driving between cities, prioritize the main national roads (DN) which are being salted regularly, and avoid high-altitude shortcuts where black ice is currently a significant hazard.