The weather played an April Fool's Day prank on Moscow residents Monday, bringing fresh snow to the Russian capital instead of long-awaited sunshine.

The winter snow had finally begun to melt in recent days, but the new snowfall on Monday brought the depth of accumulated snow to 65 centimetres (26 inches), setting an all-time record for April.

The previous record of 61 centimetres was set in April 1994, meteorologist Mikhail Leus told AFP.

The snow measured 69 centimetres on Sunday, the last day of March, he said.

The new snow did not last long as temperatures rose Monday afternoon, converting the white stuff into slush.

The snowfall came as a major test of patience for Muscovites, who have endured an unusually long and cold winter.