Four atmospheric rivers affected the Pacific Northwest between January 27 and February 1, 2026, producing 150–300 mm (6–12 inches) of rain in the Olympic Mountains and 100–200 mm (4–8 inches) in the North Cascades. Snowfall reached up to 900 mm (36 inches) in high elevations near Mount Rainier, while snowpack remains below 50% of normal.
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 struck the Kermadec Islands region, New Zealand at 10:39 UTC on February 4, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 184.2 km (114 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.1 at a depth of 197 km (122 miles).
Cuba saw historic low temperatures on February 3, 2026, with a weather station in the province of Matanzas recording a temperature of 0°C (32°F) for the first time on record.
A powerful Arctic blast is forecast to bring extreme cold and dangerous wind chills across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic from the weekend into the second week of February. Below-normal temperatures and record lows are expected in some areas, with the cold forecast to persist until February 11, 2026.
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M5.9 struck Myanmar at 15:34 UTC (22:04 LT) on February 3, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 62.7 km (39 miles). EMSC is reporting M5.9 at a depth of 55 km (34 miles). The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses.
At least 30 people have died across Japan since January 20, 2026, due to record-breaking snow affecting much of the country, with Aomori seeing the heaviest accumulation in 40 years on February 1. The self-defense forces were deployed in Aomori City for the first time in 21 years due to the serious threat to life amid heavy snow.
A shallow M4.2 earthquake occurred 4 km (2.5 miles) east-southeast of San Ramon, California, at 15:01 UTC on February 2, 2026, as part of an intense earthquake swarm in the East Bay. U.S. Geological Survey data show sustained seismic activity before and after the main event.
A fast-moving dust storm affected outback communities in New South Wales on January 31, 2026, resulting in hazardous driving conditions and widespread dust deposition. Meteorologists from the Bureau of Meteorology reported the system formed as dry topsoil was lifted by intense westerly gusts exceeding 70 km/h (45 mph).
Snow and ice conditions in Cabarrus County halted traffic on I-85 for approximately six hours on January 31, 2026, leaving hundreds of motorists stranded. Authorities confirmed there were no serious injuries, and the highway was reopened after extensive rescue and clearing operations.
A powerful winter storm underwent rapid intensification along the East Coast from January 30 to February 1, 2026, bringing historic snow to the Carolinas and deep winter cold across much of the eastern United States. The nor’easter disrupted travel, caused power outages, and extended freezing conditions into Georgia and Alabama.
