Snow in Japan Turns Historic; Blizzard Hits China–Nepal Border; Antarctic Ice Traps Cruise Ship; Global Temperatures Are Falling; + ENSO Update

Global average surface air temperatures are falling sharply in 2026.

Snow In Japan Turns Historic

Snowfall across northern Japan has not let up.

At Sukayu Onsen in Aomori Prefecture, snow depth climbed to 487 cm (192 in) as of late January, obliterating the previous January record of 438 cm (172 in) set just last year (in weather books extending back to 1911).

Elsewhere, snow cover remains extreme. Large areas of Niigata and Yamagata Prefectures are carrying 250-300 cm (98-118 in) on the ground — deep, disruptive, and well above seasonal norms, though still short of all-time records (for now).

A large-scale winter regime, rather than brief or localized bursts, is underway.

More snow is in the forecast as another winter storm traverses the Sea of Japan.

Blizzard Hits China–Nepal Border

A severe blizzard hit the China–Nepal border region on Jan 28, delivering the most intense snow of the season across Tibet.

In Nyalam County, observers measured half a foot of snow in just 12 hours.

Local authorities confirmed it as the heaviest snow anywhere in Tibet this winter, with whiteout conditions and rapid accumulation disrupting transport through high mountain passes.

Antarctic Ice Traps Cruise Ship

A luxury cruise ship carrying roughly 200 passengers became trapped in thick Antarctic pack ice this month —in midsummer— and had to be rescued by the only heavy icebreaker the United States still has in active service.