January 2026 Sees Record Cold in Europe and Extreme Weather in the Southern Hemisphere

Europe experienced a significant cold wave in January 2026, marking the coldest January since 2010, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service of the European Union.

The average temperature across Europe was approximately -2.34 degrees Celsius, influenced by a fluctuating polar jet stream that directed frigid air masses towards the continent, resulting in record low temperatures.

Heat Waves, Fires, and Flooding in the Southern Hemisphere

In stark contrast, the Southern Hemisphere faced extreme weather conditions. Regions such as Australia, Chile, and Patagonia reported unprecedented heat waves, leading to widespread wildfires. Additionally, countries like South Africa and Mozambique experienced severe flooding, highlighting the contrasting global weather patterns during this period.

Global Temperature Trends Amid Regional Cold

Despite the cold snap in Europe, global data indicated that the average surface temperature reached 12.95 degrees Celsius, approximately 0.51 degrees higher than the average from 1991 to 2020, and an increase of 1.47 degrees from pre-industrial levels, underscoring the persistent trend of global warming alongside regional cold spells.

Regions Affected by Extreme Cold and Heat

The cold wave impacted extensive areas including Finland, Scandinavia, the Baltic states, Eastern Europe, Siberia, and parts of the Midwest and East of the United States. Conversely, higher-than-normal temperatures were recorded in the Canadian Arctic, Greenland, eastern Russia, southern South America, much of Australia, and Antarctica.

Heavy Rain and Flooding Affect Infrastructure and Agriculture

Western, Southern, and Eastern Europe, including the United Kingdom, experienced above-average rainfall in January, leading to floods that damaged infrastructure and agriculture. Meanwhile, drought conditions were reported in Central Europe, the northwestern coastal regions of the U.S., and parts of China, Australia, and South America outside tropical zones.

Warnings of Ongoing Climate Extremes

Samantha Burgess, strategic climate officer at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, stated that the events of January 2026 illustrate the climate system's capacity to produce extreme and contrasting weather phenomena simultaneously, emphasizing the need for improved adaptation and resilience strategies in response to rapid climate changes.

Monitoring Polar Ice as a Climate Indicator

The report concluded by highlighting the importance of monitoring sea ice changes in polar regions as a critical indicator of global climate shifts, amid growing evidence of human activities accelerating warming and climate extremes worldwide.