Weather on 18 May 2026: Ukraine to be hit by rain, thunderstorms and a new cyclone
On Monday, 18 May, unsettled weather is expected again in Ukraine.
Forecasters predict short-lived showers, thunderstorms and heavy rain in places. The situation is likely to be most challenging in the northern and parts of the central regions.
According to forecaster Natalka Didenko, Monday will start with fairly warm weather. During the day, temperatures will reach +20…+24 degrees.
It will be warmest in the Luhansk, Kharkiv and Sumy regions – up to +25 degrees.
At the same time, short-lived rain and thunderstorms are expected across almost the whole of Ukraine. According to the forecaster, only the north-east of the country will remain free of significant precipitation.
In Kyiv, rain and possible thunderstorms are forecast for 18 May. Daytime temperatures will be around +20 degrees.
What the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Centre is forecasting
According to the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Centre, heavy rain is expected in some parts of the northern regions overnight.
Thunderstorms are forecast in many regions of Ukraine.
Fog is possible at night and in the morning in the east, south-east, Zakarpattia and the Carpathians.
The wind will be mainly north-westerly, 5–10 m/s.
Temperatures at night will be +9…+14 degrees. During the day, temperatures are expected to reach +18…+23 degrees, and in the east, up to +26 degrees in places.
A new cyclone and summer warmth
Forecaster Vitaliy Postrygan says the atmosphere is shifting into summer mode.
According to him, at the start of the new working week, a new cyclonic vortex will form over the Turan Lowlands and the Caspian Sea.
It will bring warm but humid air to Ukraine.
As a result, the weather will remain unsettled with occasional showers and localised thunderstorms.
At the same time, temperatures will already feel like summer: daytime highs are expected to reach +21…+26 degrees.
A true climatic summer, when the average daily temperature consistently exceeds +15 degrees, is expected to finally set in in the western regions between 25 and 30 May.
Forecasters also emphasise that May rainfall is important for agriculture and for replenishing soil moisture reserves.
What to do during a thunderstorm
During a thunderstorm, forecasters advise avoiding open spaces, isolated trees and metal structures.
It is safer to stay in a solid building or in a car with the windows tightly closed.
At home, you should unplug electrical appliances and close the windows to avoid draughts.
If you are caught in bad weather near a body of water, you must get out of the water immediately.
Earlier, forecaster Ihor Kibalchych warned that between 16 and 20 May, Ukraine would experience changeable weather with short showers.
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