Seeing the lack of snow around the Moscow area and westwards on Gav's weather video, I had a look to see if Moscow was unusually warm for this time of year.... and found THIS:-

http://themoscownews.com/local/20131029/192013341/Record-breaking-heat-wave-recorded-in-Moscow--weather-center.html

What I find interesting is that I am sure I read a very similar report in the Autumn of 2010 about a Moscow heatwave, which was soon plunged into the freezer in just a matter of a few weeks........ 

You're right - this from 11th Nov 2010:

Record high temperatures return to Russia

And on the 16th:

West Siberia sees new temperature record

Very interesting stuff, of course no one is saying we will see Dec 2010 again but perhaps like Gavin's recent video this is one of those 'patterns' that perhaps encourages certain events to occur later on into the year. Out of interest and also as Gavin commented on in his last Winter video, I thought I would compare this point in 2010 with now in regards to Siberian snow cover - from 2010:

http://www.natice.noaa.gov/pub/ims/ims_gif/ARCHIVE/EuAsia/2010/ims2010307_asiaeurope.gif

And from now:

http://www.natice.noaa.gov/pub/ims/ims_gif/DATA/cursnow_asiaeurope.gif

In terms of western snow cover extent around Scandinavia and southwards they are quite similar - not too surprising given the similar weather but interesting to note.

Even Nathan Rao mentioned the unusual heat in Moscow today!

That is amazing for so late in the year there and also so late in the day as well.

My old haunt Bjorli also having a mild time with no lying snow.

A mild scene for many.

That swathe of Russia which is snow free is amazing.

http://www.natice.noaa.gov/pub/ims/ims_gif/DATA/cursnow_asiaeurope.gif

At least most of Alaska now has snow .... although a significant bit is still snow -free.

They've been having a very mild autumn too - Fairbanks almost had it's first 'brown' halloween in 100 years, for example

http://www.newsminer.com/news/local_news/last-minute-snowfall-dresses-fairbanks-up-in-sheet-of-white/article_9fd4c1a2-4395-11e3-a6cb-0019bb30f31a.html

But it was a close call!

Absolute temperature record for November set in Moscow

which is??

Absolute temperature record for November set in Moscow

Originally Posted by: Essan 

which is??

 

Originally Posted by: Hungry Tiger 

14.8c according to the article, didn't you read it

Originally Posted by: Essan 

I thought you meant the record had increased yet again today.

It's certainly not going to stay that warm in Moscow for long though - it will be half that in just a couple of days - onwards and downwards....... http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/524901