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

    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.

    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

    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.

  • Flash floods kill 17 and destroy 1 800 homes across Afghanistan

    Flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall and snowmelt have killed at least 17 people and left 11 injured across Afghanistan since January 1, 2026. Over 1 800 homes and structures were destroyed in Herat, Badghis, and Faryab provinces, with authorities warning of continuing risk as moderate rainfall persists in western regions.

  • Polar Vortex disruption expected after January stratospheric warming

    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.

  • Strong M6.5 earthquake hits Guerrero, Mexico

    A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.5 struck Guerrero, Mexico, at 13:58 UTC (07:58 LT) on January 2, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 35 km (21.7 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth. The USGS issued a Yellow alert for shaking-related fatalities and a Green alert for economic losses.