Siberian Cold Blast to Grip Europe: Severe Winter Weather Set to Hit Late January

Siberian Cold Blast to Hit Europe in Late January

Europe is preparing for an intense wave of Siberian cold air that meteorologists warn could bring the harshest winter conditions seen in years. Starting around January 25, 2026, a mass of freezing Arctic air is forecast to surge across the continent, sending temperatures plummeting far below seasonal norms.

According to the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), many regions could see temperatures fall 10°C to 15°C below average, creating widespread frost, snowfall, and icy conditions across both Eastern and Western Europe.

“Europe hasn’t had such severe and widespread cold weather in a long time,” said climatologist Judah Cohen. “To see this level of cold air spreading simultaneously across Europe, Asia, and North America is really remarkable.”

How the Cold Spell Will Develop

This upcoming Arctic outbreak originates from a sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) event—a rapid temperature rise high in the stratosphere that disrupts the polar vortex. When this system weakens, it allows cold Arctic air to spill much farther south than usual.

The Meteorological Setup

A strong Greenland blocking pattern is diverting the jet stream, creating a pathway for freezing Siberian air to move westward.
Eastern Europe will face the first wave of extreme cold around January 23–24, with temperatures plunging as low as –13°C in the Baltics and –10°C in Poland.
Central and Western Europe, including Germany, France, and the UK, may experience sharp temperature drops by the final week of January.
Snowfall and icy winds are expected to accompany the cold, especially in the Alps and northern plains.

Some forecasts indicate that the chill could linger into early February, depending on how persistent the blocking pattern remains over Greenland.

What This Means for Daily Life

Transport disruptions: Expect icy roads, delayed trains, and flight cancellations.
Higher heating costs: Energy consumption typically surges during cold spells, pushing up utility bills.
Health concerns: Increased risks of hypothermia and flu outbreaks as temperatures drop sharply.
Agriculture: Prolonged frost may damage early crops and delay spring planting in parts of Europe.

Energy Markets Feel the Chill

Europe’s energy systems are already bracing for higher demand. Natural gas storage levels are just over 53% full, down from 67% a year ago, according to Gas Infrastructure Europe.

This tightening supply has triggered rising market prices:

Natural gas futures in Europe have surged 13% over the past month, climbing above €31 per megawatt-hour.
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports remain crucial as Europe continues to rely heavily on global shipments after the loss of most Russian pipeline supply.
Storage withdrawals jumped 35% compared to last winter, reflecting strong heating needs during early January cold spells.

The upcoming freeze could further strain supplies if LNG deliveries are delayed or diverted to other high-demand regions like Asia.

Energy Conservation Tips for Households

Seal windows and doors to keep out drafts.
Lower thermostats slightly and wear layered clothing indoors.
Use energy-efficient heaters and ensure radiators are properly bled for maximum efficiency.
Monitor utility updates for potential energy-saving incentives or alerts during peak demand periods.

Looking Ahead

While short-lived thaws are possible in early February, long-range models suggest that below-average temperatures could persist across much of Europe into the first week of the month. For now, both residents and businesses should prepare for a stretch of challenging winter weather — and higher energy costs.

European meteorologists advise monitoring official forecasts through Météo-France, the UK Met Office, or local weather services for updates as the cold blast develops.