Moscow to spend $20 million to clear clouds for City Day

Moscow - A virtual extravaganza is planned to celebrate Moscow's City Day, to mark the Russian capital's 865th anniversary. To ensure the skies remain clear the city is to spend $20 million to dissolve any clouds that threaten to darken the occasion.

The city of Moscow has allocated 64 million rubles ($20 million) to ensure that the 600 events planned for the weekend are free of gray clouds. According to Pravda 10 aircraft will be used for the meteorological defense of Moscow, armed with the technology to dissipate clouds. Any clouds on the horizon will be attacked with "dry ice, liquid nitrogen and powdered reagent 'cement M-500.'" Russia 24 reported that the last time the technology was used was earlier this year to break up clouds that loomed over Moscow on the Day of Russia, June 12. The aircraft used 1.5 tons of reagents to ensure clear skies. The grand opening of City Day will commence in Red Square and conclude with fire work displays. Around 3 million people are expected to attend the celebrations, including Russian leader Vladimir Putin.