Seasons and Weather – Времена года и погода

Weather changes during the year. So people usually divide it into four seasons.

Winter

Winter is the coldest season of a year. It begins in December. This is the time when lakes and rivers start covering with ice and the first snow begins to fall. When there is a lot of snow in the streets and the ice is strong enough, people often go outside for their favorite winter amusements like skiing, skating, sledging and throwing snowballs.

The end of December is the conclusion of a year itself, and a new year comes with January. In this month frosts strike harder and blizzards unleash their natural rage. It usually lasts until the middle of February and then changes into slight thaw periods. The weather becomes rather warm and sunny and we can feel the spring approaching.

Spring

In March blizzards can strike again, and the sky is often covered with dark clouds. But it doesn't last for long, and by the end of March grim sky brightens and you can see blooming flowers and trees.

This is the time when nature begins to wake up from its winter sleep. April brings total rejuvenation to the woods, fields and meadows. Animals leave their lairs and birds come back to their homeland. In May the sunshine becomes brighter and hotter while days become longer. But the beginning of May is famous for its heavy rains and thunderstorms.

Summer

Although summer is the hottest season of a year, the weather is often cool and rainy in June. Trees start fructifying while woods and fields become abundant in berries.

In July it is getting hotter and drier. During this period people usually spend time by the sea, lakes and rivers. They eat ice cream and have cold drinks, saving themselves from the heat. The weather usually remains unchanged till the end of August.

Autumn

It is usually still warm in September, but nights become cooler and longer. Days are often rainy and foggy. In the beginning of October cold winds start blowing and leaves are getting yellow and red and then begin to fall.

Autumn is also a harvest season. Vegetables, fruits, wheat and rye are cropped at this time. In November early frosts begin and the hoarfrost appears on the ground and trees. Birds start flying away to the south and animals make preparations for the wintertime.