The State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) has declared a yellow, or Level I, weather alert due to dense fog expected to blanket the capital and four central regions in the coming day. According to rescuers, visibility dropping to 200–500 meters could significantly complicate traffic, prompting the agency to issue a series of practical recommendations for drivers and pedestrians.

Where and When Fog is Expected

According to the SES warning, fog will engulf Kyiv as early as the first half of the day on October 17. During the night and morning of October 18, the low-visibility zone will spread to Vinnytsia, Kirovohrad, Cherkasy, and Kyiv regions. During this period, rescuers estimate that road visibility will be only 200–500 meters, corresponding to the first, yellow, level of danger.

Recommendations for Drivers and Pedestrians

The agency reminded residents that a sharp deterioration in visibility creates additional risks on highways and city streets. Drivers are urged to choose a safe speed, maintain distance, and turn on fog lights. Pedestrians are strongly recommended to use retro-reflective elements and show increased caution at crosswalks. “Take care of yourselves and consider the weather conditions,” the SES concluded.

Weather on October 17–19

On the day the warning was issued, October 17, light rains are occurring in most regions of the country. Nighttime air temperatures range from +5 to +12 degrees Celsius, daytime temperatures reach +10 to +18, while the east has warmed up to +21 degrees. On October 18–19, moderate rains are expected, with heavy precipitation and thunderstorms in some southern and central areas; only the western part of the country will remain largely dry.

Wind and General Temperature Background

In most regions, except for the west and east, wind gusts of 15–20 m/s are forecasted. At night, the temperature will drop to +7…+14 degrees, during the day the air will warm up to +10…+18, and in the east and southeast — up to +20 degrees. Earlier, forecasters warned that a cold snap is moving across Ukraine, though without severe frosts.