I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.

  • Winter Storm Warnings in effect for Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana through Thursday

    ByRishav Kothari

    A major winter storm is affecting the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies, with winter storm warnings in effect through 16:00 PST on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Heavy snow is forecast to continue across the Cascades of Washington and Oregon, extending into Idaho and western Montana. Snow accumulations are forecast to reach between 30 cm and 120 cm (1 to 4 feet), with gusts up to 80 km/h (50 mph) causing whiteout conditions and difficult travel across mountain passes.

  • Two winter storms forecast to bring heavy mountain snow and rain to the Pacific Northwest

    ByRishav Kothari

    Two frontal systems are forecast to bring widespread precipitation and heavy mountain snow to the Pacific Northwest between Tuesday and Thursday, January 6 and 8, 2026. The first, associated with a weakening atmospheric river, will bring rainfall to the region on Tuesday, followed by a second, stronger system on Wednesday and Thursday, January 7–8. Snowfall totals of 30–120 cm (12–48 inches) are expected across the Cascades and Olympic Mountains, with locally higher amounts above 1 500 m (5 000 feet).

  • Strong and shallow M6.2 earthquake, multiple strong aftershocks hit Shimane Prefecture, Japan

    ByRishav Kothari

    A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) as M6.2 struck eastern Shimane Prefecture, Japan at 01:18 UTC (10:18 JST) on Tuesday, January 6, 2025, at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), and was followed by multiple strong aftershocks. Roof damage, collapsed walls, and toppled gravestones are being reported in parts of the region. There is no tsunami threat from the quake.

  • Storm Francis triggers severe floods across Málaga Province, Spain

    ByRishav Kothari

    Severe flooding struck Málaga Province, southern Spain, through Sunday and Monday, January 4 and 5, 2026, as Storm Francis brought torrential rainfall, dropping totals of up to 200 mm (8 inches) in parts of the Guadalhorce Valley and Costa del Sol. A Red Alert was issued for parts of the region as rivers overflowed, prompting evacuations and emergency rescues across Cártama, Alhaurín de la Torre, and Málaga city.

  • Arctic cold blast expands across Europe as Greenland block steers polar air south

    ByRishav Kothari

    An Arctic cold wave is moving across Europe as a persistent Greenland block redirects polar air southward. Forecast models show temperature anomalies between −10°C and −15°C (14°F and 5°F) at 850 hPa with extensive snow cover developing over much of the continent, with heavy snow already affecting parts of the UK and Balkans at the start of January 2026.

  • Record-breaking King Tides flood San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California coast, U.S.

    ByRishav Kothari

    Record-breaking King Tides struck the San Francisco Bay Area and parts of the Northern California coast on Friday and Saturday, January 2-3, 2026, causing widespread coastal flooding across multiple counties. Tide gauges across the region recorded water levels up to 0.76 m (2.5 feet) above normal, breaking multiple records and prompting road closures, flood warnings, and emergency advisories.

  • At least 2 dead after M6.5 earthquake strikes Guerrero and Mexico City, Mexico

    ByRishav Kothari

    At least two people were killed after a strong M6.5 earthquake hit Guerrero on January 2, 2026. Meanwhile, 17 people were injured as hundreds of homes were reportedly destroyed or damaged across Mexico due to the tremors and subsequent landslides. Over 1 000 aftershocks have been recorded since the mainshock as relief efforts and damage surveys continue.