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.

  • Polar Vortex disruption expected after January stratospheric warming

    ByRishav Kothari

    A Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) event evolving over the Arctic through mid-January 2026 is forecast to weaken and displace the Polar Vortex, according to ECMWF and NOAA extended-range guidance. The disturbance is expected to propagate downward over the following weeks, raising the probability of Arctic air outbreaks and colder-than-normal conditions in parts of North America and Europe during the second half of January 2026.

  • Alberta clipper reinforces lake-effect snow as heavy rain targets southern California into the New Year

    ByRishav Kothari

    A surge of Arctic air, reinforced lake-effect snowfall, and an atmospheric river are forecast to affect large portions of the United States from December 31, 2025, into January 2, 2026. Heavy snow is expected downwind of the Great Lakes and across parts of the Northeast, while southern California faces a flash flood risk as an atmospheric river moves onshore around New Year’s Day.

  • Rapidly intensifying winter storm to strike Ontario with snow, ice, and high winds

    ByRishav Kothari

    A powerful bomb cyclone is forecast to strike Ontario bringing heavy snow, freezing rain, and severe winds from Sunday through Tuesday, December 28 to 30, 2025, as the deepening low crosses the Great Lakes. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued Winter Storm and Freezing Rain Warnings, with snowfall totals of up to 50 cm (20 inches) and gusts exceeding 100 km/h (62 mph) expected in some areas.