Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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January 30, 2026 Climate and environment
Extreme heat, severe frosts, and torrential rains have made January 2026 a month of extreme weather conditions. This underscores the importance of accurate forecasts and investment in early warning systems, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) stated.
Natural phenomena causing serious human casualties, economic losses and environmental damage were recorded in all regions of the world.
"It's no surprise that extreme weather consistently ranks among the top risks in the World Economic Forum's annual Global Threats Report. The number of people affected by weather and climate disasters is growing year on year, and in January, we saw their tragic consequences literally every day," said WMO Director Celeste Saulo.
She recalled that in countries with effective early warning mechanisms, mortality from natural disasters is six times lower, which makes Early Warning Systems for All initiative particularly relevant.
Frosts and winter storms
Although the frequency of severe cold events has been declining globally since 1950, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), this does not preclude isolated severe cold snaps. A weakening of the polar vortex has facilitated the intrusion of Arctic air into mid-latitudes, causing severe frosts in North America, Europe, and Asia. This is a large area of cold air and strong winds that typically circulates around the Arctic in the upper atmosphere and sometimes weakens, allowing Arctic cold to spread southward.
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A powerful winter storm also struck Canada and the United States in late January, causing widespread power outages, flight cancellations, and loss of life. The US National Weather Service warned that by January 31, a new wave of Arctic cold would spread south through the Plains states, the Great Lakes region, and the southeastern and eastern regions of the country.
At the same time, some meteorological forecasts indicate that stratospheric warming over the Arctic could lead to a significant weakening of the polar vortex in early February, which, in turn, will create conditions for a new invasion of Arctic air into North America and Northern Europe in the second half of the month.
Heavy rains and floods
Europe experienced a series of storms with heavy rainfall, winds, and flooding, from Ireland and the UK to the Mediterranean. Meteorological services warned of continued increased rainfall in northwestern Europe and the Mediterranean.
The situation is particularly dire in southern Africa. According to Mozambique's national authorities, floods have affected at least 650 thousand peopleHundreds of thousands were forced to flee their homes, and approximately 30,000 homes were damaged or destroyed. South Africa declared a national disaster after torrential rains claimed dozens of lives.
Heat and fires
Australia experienced two heatwaves in one month. In the city of Ceduna, the temperature reached 49.5 degrees Celsius – a record for the area. Scientists note that climate change intensified the January heatwave by approximately 1.6 degrees.
In Chile, wildfires have killed at least 21 people, and tens of thousands have been evacuated. Fires have also engulfed southern Argentina. According to the IPCC report, human-induced climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of heat waves since the mid-20th century.
The role of early warnings
WMO is stepping up its efforts to combat the impacts of extreme heat and other weather-related hazards, including through joint initiatives with the World Health Organization.
As experts emphasize, January 2026 became another reminder: investments in early warning, climate resilience and disaster preparedness save lives.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.