January 2026 saw a surge in extreme weather events globally, bringing unusual heat, cold, and heavy rainfall that resulted in significant economic, environmental, and human losses, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Global Extreme Weather Events in January 2026
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo has called for improvements in the accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasting, alongside increased investment in early warning systems, citing long-term temperature increases as a driver of more frequent and intense extreme weather.
The WMO Coordination Mechanism, compiling information from its Members and Centres, reported widespread weather-related disasters across both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres during the month.
Heatwaves and Wildfires
Australia experienced two heatwaves, accompanied by dangerous fire conditions. Ceduna, South Australia, recorded a temperature of 49.5 degrees Celsius on Jan. 26, setting a local record. Gusty winds combined with the heat to create extreme fire danger ratings in many areas.
Chile and Argentina faced a combination of heat, prolonged drought, and strong winds, which fueled destructive wildfires.
Severe Winter Storms
A powerful winter storm swept across Canada and the United States in the final week of January, bringing widespread snow, sleet, and freezing rain. The storm caused multiple fatalities, massive flight cancellations, and left hundreds of thousands of households without power.
Exceptional Snowfall
Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula experienced extraordinary snowfall, receiving over two meters of snow in the first two weeks of January, following 3.7 meters in December. This marked one of the snowiest periods for the peninsula since the 1970s, bringing the regional capital, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, to a near standstill.
Flooding in Europe and Africa
Back-to-back storms brought heavy precipitation, strong winds, and high waves across Europe, disrupting travel and causing flooding from Ireland and Britain to Portugal, Spain, and the Mediterranean region.
Weeks of downpours in southeastern Africa have swollen rivers and overwhelmed reservoirs, causing flooding in densely populated areas, with Mozambique being the worst affected. Further heavy rainfall is anticipated.
Saulo noted that extreme weather consistently ranks among the top risks in the World Economic Forum’s annual Global Risks Report, and that the number of people affected by weather and climate-related disasters continues to rise annually.
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
