Cloudy With a Chance of Conflict: Russian Forecaster Suggests Weather ‘Ideal’ for NATO Nuclear Strike

Recent discussions have shed light on an unexpected intersection between weather forecasting and geopolitics.

During a segment on a popular Russia-1 TV show hosted by Vladimir Solovyov, Evgeny Tishkovets, a forecaster, made startling comments regarding weather conditions conducive to a hypothetical nuclear strike against NATO.

Solovyov, known for his support of President Vladimir Putin, initiated the conversation, mentioning Russian missiles and implying that weather conditions would not hinder their deployment.

Tishkovets, appearing from a separate studio, responded with what seemed like a play on words, suggesting that the current weather was “ideal for conducting nuclear strikes against NATO countries.”

Julia Davis, creator of Russian Media Monitor, shared a translated excerpt of the conversation on X (formerly Twitter), where Tishkovets elaborated on atmospheric conditions favoring such strikes.

He pointed out unusual air currents that would direct radioactive clouds towards countries perceived as adversaries to Russia.

The forecast for Moscow, presented alongside Tishkovets' remarks, indicated a bitterly cold day, possibly reminiscent of the Cold War era.

Despite the ominous implications of Tishkovets' statements, he also expressed concern over the loss of Russian lives in the conflict with Ukraine, advocating for a higher level of escalation, echoing sentiments from Russian writer Sergey Karaganov.

Davis remarked on the uniqueness of such a weather report, emphasizing its stark departure from conventional forecasts.

Notably, Solovyov, who had previously suggested the obliteration of Europe for planning war against Russia, likely did not object to the discussion.

Interestingly, Tishkovets, 48, is currently "awaiting sanctions" according to the Ukrainian government, listed as part of a media group justifying Russian aggression.

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Despite his professional role as a senior meteorologist at the Phobos Center in Russia, Tishkovets also holds a military rank of lieutenant colonel, as evident from his Facebook page, where he shares both military updates and weather forecasts.

Although Tishkovets typically focuses on weather-related content on platforms like Telegram, his involvement in political discussions underscores the blurred lines between meteorology and geopolitics in Russia.

Reports from Tass news agency frequently cite his weather forecasts, including notable weather events such as a winter storm in December 2023, which saw historic snowdrifts in Moscow.

Solovyov, a prominent figure during the Ukraine conflict, has previously claimed that World War III is already underway, further illustrating the politicization of the media in Russia.

Meanwhile, The Weather Channel, perhaps offering a less biased perspective, forecasts milder temperatures in Moscow ahead of Russia's presidential election.