There’s been a chill in the air as of late. Temperatures have reached Arctic lows in and around New York, argued by many to be the coldest in a lifetime.
The coldest recorded temperature in New Jersey was back in 1904, where River Vale was measured at -34 degrees Fahrenheit.
This February, temperatures have dropped to -17 in Sussex County. Earlier in the month, wind chills dipped down to -39 degrees.
Not long ago, we had a snow storm, yielding up to 17 inches in some places around New Jersey and New York. Just days ago here in Emerson, we were graced with 15 more inches of snow, and even better, below freezing temperatures once again! How exciting…
We’ve just had a bonafide blizzard that dumped up to two feet of snow in some regions, closed schools and businesses, and put a halt to the postal service and public transportation in some areas. What gives? Why has the Winter of 2026 been so brutal?
Over the years, winters have been getting warmer and warmer. This is mostly due to climate change, with excess greenhouse gasses in our atmosphere rapidly increasing temperature globally. Temperatures are said to have risen roughly 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 degrees Celsius) over the years. This increase has made winters notably warmer and more unpredictable.
If all that is the case, why isn’t this winter one of the warmest we’ve seen?
Some say it is caused by the ‘polar vortex,’ a rotating wind that keeps frigid air contained. These winds usually strengthen in winter, but they’ve been weakened by the warming climate in the Arctic. Now, cold spells are being sent around the world, resulting in larger amounts of snow and lower overall temperatures.
On the opposite side of the thermometer, places in the south are suffering from wildfires. In Florida, severe wildfires swept through the I-95 and damaged multiple vehicles. It is said that thousands of acres across multiple cities in Florida have been scorched by these growing fires in just two months of 2026.
In Oklahoma, fires in Beaver County are estimated to have reached roughly 15,000 acres. Wind gusts at over 60 miles per hour. Temperatures have been recorded at 20 degrees above the usual at this time of year.
There have also been a few wildfires in Texas that were reported on, a large one near the Texas Panhandle. Some of the fires have been completely contained, while others are still a hazard. Officials warn Texans of the risks of smoke in the air.
All in all, this winter has shocked many with its extreme temperatures and conditions. Stay safe and warm this February!
