Temperatures regularly plunge to -40C in this city and exposed skin can show first signs of frostbite within 10 minutes.
While we’re currently shivering through a British winter, with temperatures plunging below freezing in many parts of the country, it’s nothing compared to life in the world’s chilliest city.
In this frosty city temperatures regularly plummet below -40C, and every venture outdoors necessitates layers upon layers of clothing. Cars freeze solid, bus stops require heating, and if you’re not adequately prepared, you could freeze in “minutes”.
Welcome to Yakutsk, officially the coldest city on Earth.
Situated in northeastern Siberia, Yakutsk is home to over 372,800 people. The city is built on permafrost and only basks in around four hours of sunlight each day, resulting in incredibly low visibility.
Residents must be well-equipped to handle the severe conditions, and having the right attire is absolutely vital, reports the Express.
One woman, known as Kiun B on YouTube, shares her experiences of living in this icy metropolis. In one video, she reveals just how demanding (and costly) it can be to run everyday errands in such an environment.
With the mercury at a bone-chilling -42C, she explains that layering is key. Her outfit includes two pairs of leggings, thick wool bands over her knees to protect her joints from the cold, insulated trousers, and two jackets as standard.
She also dons specialised fur boots, as regular winter footwear would simply freeze. She warns that without these layers, she would freeze “in minutes.”
And quality winter gear doesn’t come cheap, with a decent coat setting you back up to £600, and boots costing even more.
Despite bundling up, Kiun revealed that the brisk five-minute stroll to her nearest bus stop can be quite a struggle.
The biting cold seeps through her clothes and her hair freezes. After just ten minutes, her nose turned white – an early sign of frostbite, forcing her to dash into the closest shop for warmth.
Another intriguing aspect of life in these conditions is the infrequent use of mobile phones. The severe cold drains batteries swiftly, so Kiun confessed she only uses hers in emergencies.
In addition to battery issues, she mentioned that using them outdoors is difficult as it necessitates removing your specialised gloves to type, risking frozen fingers.
Discussing her diet, Kiun explained that she needs more calories to keep warm in the harsh temperatures. According to her, having two breakfasts is completely normal as it helps her and other locals stay warm.
Fresh produce is considered a luxury, as nothing can really grow on the permafrost.
All fresh fruits and vegetables are imported from warmer climates, leading to prices nearly double those in central Russia. As a result, she relies on items like long-life milk and tinned beef.
Nevertheless, even without any fresh vegetables or meat, weekly groceries for one can still amount to as much as £111.