While Europe and the US froze, the planet kept warming—a stark reminder that climate change affects different regions in dramatically different ways.
January 2026 was the fifth-hottest January on record globally, even as brutal cold waves swept across Europe and the United States. According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, the global average temperature reached 12.95°C—a full 1.47°C above pre-industrial levels. While Americans battled monster snowstorms and Europeans endured their coldest January since 2010, much of the planet experienced above-average warmth. This paradox reveals a troubling truth: climate change doesn’t affect everyone equally, and regional cold snaps don’t cancel out global warming.
The data paints a picture that’s both complex and concerning. As some regions shivered, others burned. Understanding this climate contradiction isn’t just about numbers—it’s about recognizing the urgent need for action.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: January 2026 by the Data
The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service released its monthly climate bulletin on February 10, 2026, revealing striking statistics:
- Global average temperature: 12.95°C (55.3°F)
- Above 1991-2020 average: 0.51°C (0.92°F)
- Above pre-industrial times: 1.47°C (2.65°F)
- Ranking:Â Fifth-warmest January since records began
- Comparison to 2025: Only 0.28°C cooler than the record-breaking January 2025
These figures confirm what climate scientists have been warning about for decades. The planet remains locked in an extended period of human-driven warming. In fact, 2024 set a record high, 2023 ranked second, and 2025 now sits as the third warmest year on record.
The trend is undeniable. Each decade brings warmer temperatures than the last, and January 2026 fits squarely into this pattern.
A Tale of Two Hemispheres: Extreme Cold Meets Extreme Heat
What made January 2026 particularly striking was the dramatic contrast between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Northern Hemisphere: Arctic Blast
The Northern Hemisphere experienced severe cold waves in the final weeks of January. A polar jet stream pushed icy air deep into Europe and North America, creating dangerous conditions.
Europe’s deep freeze:
- Coldest January since 2010
- Average temperature: -2.34°C (27.8°F)
- Powerful Atlantic storms battered southern countries with flooding
- Arctic cold gripped central and northern Europe
- Dozens died, thousands were displaced
United States winter storm:
- Monster storm dumped snow and crippling ice from New Mexico to Maine
- Linked to more than 100 deaths
- New York City saw 18 deaths during extended subzero temperatures
- One of the longest sustained cold spells since 1961
Southern Hemisphere: Record-Breaking Heat
While the north froze, the south burned. The Southern Hemisphere experienced unprecedented warmth that fueled devastating wildfires.
Areas affected by extreme heat:
- Australia: Record-breaking temperatures forced outdoor tennis courts to close
- Patagonia: Deadly wildfires raged across the region
- Chile: Extreme heat contributed to fire conditions
- Northern Africa: Exceptionally high temperatures
- Parts of Antarctica: Above-average warmth
Late-month heavy rains in Southern Africa triggered severe flooding, adding to the region’s climate-related disasters.
What the Experts Say: Climate Reality Check
Dr. Samantha Burgess, strategic lead for climate at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, offered a sobering assessment:
“January 2026 delivered a stark reminder that the climate system can sometimes simultaneously deliver very cold weather in one region, and extreme heat in another.”
Dr. Burgess emphasized that while human activities continue to drive long-term warming, recent events underscore the need to strengthen resilience and accelerate adaptation to escalating extremes. Society must better prepare for heightened climate risks ahead.
This isn’t just about temperature averages. It’s about understanding that climate change creates more extreme weather events—both hot and cold—in different parts of the world at the same time.
Beyond Air Temperature: Oceans and Ice Tell the Story
The climate crisis extends far beyond what we feel on land. January 2026’s data revealed troubling trends in our oceans and polar regions.
Sea surface temperatures:
- Average between 60°S and 60°N latitude: 20.68°C (69.2°F)
- Fourth-highest for January on record
- Only 0.29°C below the January 2024 record
Arctic sea ice:
- 6% below average extent
- Third-lowest on record for January
Antarctic sea ice:
- 8% below average extent
- Continuing a concerning downward trend
Warmer ocean temperatures fuel more intense storms and disrupt marine ecosystems. Shrinking polar ice accelerates global warming by reducing the Earth’s ability to reflect sunlight back into space.
Why Cold Snaps Don’t Disprove Global Warming
Some people point to severe winter storms as evidence against climate change. This misunderstands how the climate system works.
Key facts to remember:
- Weather vs. climate:Â Weather describes short-term conditions in a specific place. Climate describes long-term patterns across the entire planet.
- Regional vs. global:Â A cold snap in one region doesn’t cancel out warming elsewhere.
- Extreme events increase: Climate change actually makes extreme weather—including severe cold—more likely in certain regions.
- The trend matters:Â Individual months or years vary, but the long-term trend shows clear, consistent warming.
Think of it this way: If your bank account grows by $1,000 each month on average, but you have one month where you only gain $500, you’re still getting richer. January 2026 was cooler than January 2025, but it was still the fifth-warmest January ever recorded.
What This Means for Communities Like Ours
Here in the Mohawk Valley and across upstate New York, we’re not immune to these global trends. We’ve seen our own share of extreme weather—from intense winter storms to summer heat waves and flooding.
Local impacts to watch:
- More variable winter temperatures
- Increased risk of ice storms and flooding
- Changing growing seasons affecting local agriculture
- Strain on infrastructure during extreme weather events
- Higher energy costs during temperature extremes
Understanding global climate patterns helps us prepare locally. When we see data showing the planet warming even during cold snaps, it reminds us that climate change is real, it’s happening now, and it affects all of us.
The Path Forward: From Awareness to Action
The January 2026 data serves as both a warning and a call to action. We can’t afford to wait for perfect weather to take climate change seriously.
What we can do:
- Support clean energy:Â Advocate for renewable energy projects in New York State
- Reduce personal carbon footprint:Â Use public transportation, improve home energy efficiency, reduce waste
- Stay informed:Â Follow reliable climate science sources like Copernicus and NOAA
- Vote for climate action:Â Support candidates who prioritize environmental protection
- Prepare for extremes:Â Ensure your home and family are ready for both heat waves and cold snaps
- Speak up:Â Talk to friends, family, and neighbors about climate change
Individual actions matter, but systemic change requires collective effort. We need policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect vulnerable communities, and invest in climate resilience.
Conclusion
January 2026 delivered a powerful message: climate change is complex, it’s accelerating, and it affects different regions in dramatically different ways. The fifth-hottest January on record occurred while parts of the Northern Hemisphere froze—a paradox that underscores the urgent need for climate action.
The science is clear. The data is verified. The time for debate has passed. Now is the time for action.
As Dr. Burgess reminded us, we must strengthen our resilience and accelerate adaptation to escalating climate extremes. The question isn’t whether climate change is real—it’s whether we’ll do enough, fast enough, to protect our communities and our planet.
What are your thoughts on January’s extreme weather? Have you noticed climate changes in the Mohawk Valley? Share your experiences in the comments below and join the conversation.
