A powerful cold snap is affecting countries across the globe, bringing freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and unusual weather extremes to regions both familiar and unaccustomed to harsh winters. From Arctic blasts sweeping North America and Europe to sub-zero temperatures in parts of the Middle East and South Asia, nations are recording some of their lowest temperatures of the season, and in some cases, of recent years.
In Saudi Arabia, Turaif in the Northern Borders Region recorded –3°C on Wednesday, the lowest temperature of the winter, according to the National Center for Meteorology. Frost covered open areas, and icy roads made travel difficult. Southern Tabuk experienced heavy rain and hail on Saturday, while Umluj saw light rainfall.
Pakistan has been hit by heavy rain and snowfall across its northern and provincial regions. The National Disaster Management Authority urged residents to exercise caution in areas including Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galiyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, and Rawalakot. In Muzaffarabad, locals cleared snow from rooftops, and tourists in Murree navigated snow-covered roads during one of the season’s most intense winter events.
A major winter storm is forecast to affect more than 175 million people in the United States, with heavy snowfall, power outages, and travel disruptions expected. Several airlines, including UAE-based Emirates, cancelled flights ahead of Storm Fern. Texas declared a state of emergency as the storm moves from the Great Plains to the mid-Atlantic and northeastern states. The National Weather Service warned that the storm would produce frigid temperatures and severe wind chills, likely breaking numerous low-temperature records. In Little Rock, Arkansas, residents stocked up on essentials at supermarkets ahead of the approaching storm.
Russia’s Far East recorded its heaviest snowfall in six decades on January 20, with towns buried under metres of snow. In Kamchatka Peninsula, residents cleared streets while rescuers assisted those trapped in homes. Public transport in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky was partially suspended after snow accumulation reached about 10 feet.
In Asia, Shanghai experienced rare snowfall on January 20, dusting the city in white for the first time since January 2018. South Korea’s Seoul has also seen the Han River freeze under the cold wave.
The UAE reported its lowest temperatures of the season on January 22, with 0.2°C recorded early in the morning. Experts said the cold spell is linked to broader global climate patterns, including La Niña. In Ras Al Khaimah, the high-altitude Jebel Jais mountains are known for chilly conditions, and winter temperatures there continue to reach freezing levels, echoing the nation’s lowest ever recorded temperature of –5.7°C in 2017.
This global cold wave continues to disrupt daily life, infrastructure, and travel, highlighting the extreme impacts of winter weather across continents.
