AKHTUBINSK (Astrakhan Region, south Russia), May 7 (RIA Novosti) - Russia’s Air Force will ensure good weather over downtown Moscow on Victory Day, May 9, when a military parade is held on the Russian capital's Red Square, the Air Force commander, Lt. Gen. Viktor Bondarev said.
“All contracts have been signed,” Bondarev told journalists Monday. “We have 10 aircraft at Chkalovsky airfield, they are ready for loading with reagents to prevent rain on Red Square.”
Nationwide May 9 Victory Day celebrations commemorate the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. The day is widely considered one of the most important holidays in Russia.
Moscow authorities revealed in March they plan to spend almost $4 million to ensure city residents can enjoy two rain-free national holidays in May and June. A notice posted on Russia's state tender website called on companies to apply for the job to provide “meteorological protection for the city.”
The technique of cloud dispersal, or cloud seeding, dates back to the Soviet era. The substances used can include silver iodide, dry ice and cement powder.
The holidays that the Moscow administration wants to provide good weather for are Victory Day and Russia Day (June 12), typically celebrated with mass outdoor gathering and parades.
While Muscovites may benefit from the cloud seeding, residents in areas around the city have reported that practice often pushes any prospective poor weather over them.
