How People Survive -71°C in the Coldest City on Earth

That was the lowest temperature recorded in the coldest city of Yakutsk. Where it is, how people survive, and what connection it has with Argentina in this exclusive report from Telenueve Digital.

Although Patagonia records frigid temperatures that drop to, for example, minus 5 degrees Celsius, the coldest city in the world is not in southern Argentina. Nor is it in Antarctica, where frosts similar to -30°C have been reported. On the contrary, the coldest, extremely cold territory on planet Earth is located across the continent.

Almost 4,375 kilometers from Moscow (the capital of Russia) lies the Sakha Republic, a geographical region in eastern Siberia whose capital is Yakutsk, the coldest city in the world. “The coldest temperature recorded was -71°C. Normal temperatures range from -50°C to -55°C in some towns,” Maria Solko told Telenueve digital exclusively.

 

Maria is 29 years old and has lived in Yakutsk her entire life. She grew up there, married, and had two young children. She is outgoing, cheerful, friendly, curious, disciplined, proactive, and enterprising. She works as a teacher teaching English to children in the region, but this isn’t her first language but rather her third, as the mother tongue there is Yakut. Russian is taught as a second language in schools. So, you could say she’s a polyglot.

How to Go Out in Yakutsk and Not Die Trying

This winter season, Argentina recorded very low temperatures, and the cold was truly felt throughout the country. However, there are regions around the world where the cold prevails most of the year, and in many cases, it is so severe that lifestyles must adapt to extreme temperatures and precipitation that are even dangerous to one’s health.

In Yakutsk Coldest City:

The coldest city known as the coldest on the planet, living is a challenge. Likewise, its citizens are so adapted and accustomed to it that the cold doesn’t stop them from carrying out their daily activities and commitments. It all depends on how they dress to go out and face the white, icy adversity. “This type of weather is dangerous if you don’t have enough clothes,” emphasized Maria, who was contacted by the Telenueve digital team for this exclusive report.

 

She also explained that, when going outside, it’s extremely important what clothing you wear and how many layers you wear. That will make the difference between being protected or putting your health at risk. In winter, when I need to go out, the first is a T-shirt, then a sweater and pants. For the third, I wear an outdoor jacket and snow pants. Also, a hat, gloves, leather boots, and two pairs of socks,” she emphasized.

What to eat in Yakutsk:

traditional dishes and “luxuries” from Argentina. The basis of the Yakutsk diet is high in calories to nourish and warm the body during the coldest city weather. Meat, dairy products, eggs, and all kinds of baked goods predominate. “One of my favorite dishes is waffles with whipped cream and strawberry jam,” commented Maria, about one of the most delicious desserts she enjoys preparing.

As for fruits and vegetables, a few are harvested during the summer season. The rest, which are not native to the region, are imported. We make jam with what we collect and store it for the winter,” she described, adding, “When it’s really coldest city, it’s nice to eat this jam and remember the hot summer.”

Regarding other staple foods like meat, people in Yakutsk typically eat fish, cows, horses, pigs, and chickens, all sourced from local farmers. And regarding imported products, several travel more than 17,000 kilometers to reach Yakutsk and originate from, among other territories, the Argentine Republic. “Fruits and vegetables come from other parts of the world, including Argentina. Bananas are from Ecuador, and Argentine apples are here, as are peaches. As is the steak, which you can find in some stores here, but it’s usually quite expensive,” Maria explained.

Yakutsk Pets Also Bundle Up for Walks

On a typical winter day in Yakutsk, with temperatures hovering around -45°C, people aren’t the only ones who need to pack a good coat; pets, such as cats and domestic dogs, also need to.

Along these lines, Maria explained that some dogs, such as Siberian Huskies, can survive the coldest city and thrive thanks to their thick, woolly coats. On the other hand, other smaller breeds or those with a different anatomy are more sensitive to the coldest city.

It’s cold and they need to bundle up for a walk in the snow. “They definitely can’t be outside; they need layers like snow pants, a jacket, and booties,” she said, while sharing a sweet picture of a dog dressed as a person and another who can walk outside without needing anything but his fur!