In Odesa, an unusual phenomenon is taking place: the Black Sea is starting to freeze due to severe frosts. Social media and Telegram channels are filled with fresh images and videos of the coastline showing ice patches and floating ice fragments.
Witnesses describe it as a «frozen sea»: the waves are moving slower and crashing against the ice. Locals remark that such occurrences are not typical each winter — this year, the frosts have been noticeably harsher compared to previous seasons. Some residents reported the first ice formations appearing in the morning, with their area significantly increasing by the evening.
In the morning, city officials announced that the cold weather will persist throughout the day. According to the official forecast for Monday, January 19, 2026, cloudy weather with sunny intervals is expected in Odesa, with no significant precipitation. The wind will be northeast at 9–14 m/s.
Morning air temperatures will be around −8…−10 °C, and during the day approximately −2…−4 °C. The prolonged duration of subzero temperatures combined with strong winds creates conditions for ice formation in the coastal area of the Black Sea.