MAINSTREAM BBC Weather London

Sunday: Heavy Rain, Minimum Temperature: 5°C (42°F) Maximum Temperature: 8°C (46°F)

Manchester is expected to experience heavy rain accompanied by light winds on Sunday, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a maximum of 8°C (46°F). The easterly winds will remain light, at around 2 mph (4 km/h), contributing to damp and cool conditions throughout the day. This weather pattern marks a continuation of unsettled conditions in the region, with light rain and drizzle forecasted before and after Sunday. Following the heavy rain on Sunday, the city will see a return to lighter rain and occasional showers through the early part of the week, with temperatures gradually rising to highs of around 10°C (49°F) and lows near 6°C (43°F). Winds will remain generally light and easterly, maintaining a cool and moist atmosphere. By midweek, drizzle and gentle breezes are expected, with temperatures holding steady in the upper single digits Celsius. Towards the end of the month, colder weather is anticipated as sleet and light snow become more frequent. From Saturday onwards, temperatures will drop further, with highs around 5-6°C (41-43°F) and lows approaching freezing or just above. This shift signals a transition to more wintry conditions, including sleet and light snow showers, which are forecast to persist into the final days of January. Wind speeds will remain light but consistent, primarily from the east. These weather developments are significant for residents and local authorities as they prepare for wet and increasingly cold conditions. The persistent rain and subsequent sleet and snow could impact travel and outdoor activities, emphasizing the need for caution on roads and public transport. The forecast also highlights the gradual seasonal shift from winter rain to wintry precipitation, reflecting typical January weather patterns in the Manchester area.

9 hours ago

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MAINSTREAM The Watchers Natural Events

The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: January 8-14, 2026

New volcanic activity and unrest were reported at five volcanoes worldwide during the week of January 8-14, 2026, while multiple others continued ongoing eruptions. Notably, Barren Island in India exhibited a small thermal anomaly and an ash plume rising 1.2 km above sea level, drifting west-southwest. Meanwhile, Italy’s Mount Etna maintained eruptive activity with new lava flows near Mount Simone, reaching elevations of 1,365 meters before ceasing. Other volcanoes showing new activity or unrest included Mayon in the Philippines, Pavlof in the United States, and Sabancaya in Peru. Barren Island, located in the Andaman Sea northeast of Port Blair, is India’s only historically active volcano in the region. Its 3-kilometer-wide island features a caldera formed by a major explosive eruption in the late Pleistocene. Recent satellite imagery confirmed thermal anomalies and ash emissions, signaling renewed volcanic unrest. The Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre monitored the ash plume, which poses potential hazards to air traffic and nearby marine environments. Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest and most voluminous volcano, continued its persistent eruptive phase, characterized by lava flows from vents near Mount Simone. Despite weather conditions limiting visual observations on some days, incandescence and lava activity were intermittently observed. Etna’s long history of volcanism, dating back to 1500 BCE, makes it a critical focus for volcanic monitoring due to its proximity to populated areas, including the city of Catania. The report also highlighted ongoing activity at numerous other volcanoes across Asia, the Americas, and Russia, underscoring the global nature of volcanic hazards. Monitoring these volcanoes is essential for early warning and risk mitigation, particularly in regions with dense populations or significant air traffic. The continued activity at these sites reflects the dynamic nature of Earth’s geology and the importance of sustained surveillance to protect lives and infrastructure.

9 hours ago

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MAINSTREAM BBC Weather London

Today: Light Rain, Minimum Temperature: 4°C (40°F) Maximum Temperature: 9°C (49°F)

Manchester is expected to experience predominantly wet and cold weather over the coming weeks, with light rain and light winds forecast for today. Temperatures will range between a minimum of 4°C (40°F) and a maximum of 9°C (49°F), accompanied by easterly winds at around 5 mph (7 km/h). The weather pattern will continue to be unsettled, with intermittent light rain and occasional heavier showers predicted throughout the week. Following today’s light rain, Sunday is expected to bring heavy rain with similar light winds, and temperatures slightly cooler, ranging from 5°C (42°F) to 8°C (46°F). The unsettled conditions will persist into next week, with light rain and light winds forecast on Monday and Tuesday, maintaining highs near 10°C (49°F) and lows around 6°C (43°F). By midweek, drizzle and gentle breezes will prevail, with temperatures dipping slightly. From late January onwards, the weather is expected to turn colder, with sleet becoming more frequent from Saturday the 24th through to the end of the month. Daytime highs will drop to around 5-6°C (41-42°F), and overnight lows could reach near freezing or below, with the coldest nights dipping to -1°C (31°F). Light snow is also forecast for the final day of January, accompanied by light winds. This prolonged period of wet and cold weather could impact daily activities and travel in Manchester, with potential hazards related to slippery surfaces and reduced visibility. The consistent easterly winds and low temperatures highlight the need for residents and commuters to prepare for winter conditions in the coming weeks. Despite the unsettled weather, pollution levels are expected to remain low, and daylight hours will gradually increase as the month progresses.

9 hours ago

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MAINSTREAM Severe Weather Europe

A Major Polar Vortex Disruption will bring the Coldest Air of the Season to North America and Cold to Europe

A significant disruption of the Polar Vortex has commenced, with forecasts indicating an even stronger event later in January. This disturbance is expected to unleash the coldest air of the season across North America, particularly the United States and Canada, while also bringing a notable cold wave to Europe. The cold conditions are projected to persist into early February, marking a prolonged period of winter weather across much of the Northern Hemisphere. The Polar Vortex is a large-scale circulation of cold air that typically confines frigid temperatures to the polar regions. It extends from the surface up into the stratosphere, forming a spinning wall that traps cold air within the Arctic. When the Polar Vortex is strong, it keeps this cold air locked in place, resulting in milder winter conditions for mid-latitude regions such as North America and Europe. However, disruptions to the vortex, often triggered by sudden stratospheric warming events, weaken this containment and allow Arctic air to spill southward. This latest disruption is characterized by shifts in pressure systems and warming in the stratosphere, which destabilize the vortex and enable cold polar air to surge into lower latitudes. Such events can lead to severe cold spells, increased snowfall, and heightened winter weather hazards across affected areas. The phenomenon underscores the complex interplay between atmospheric layers and the importance of monitoring the Polar Vortex for seasonal weather forecasting. The implications of this disruption are significant for energy demand, transportation, and public safety across the impacted regions. Understanding the dynamics of the Polar Vortex and its disruptions helps meteorologists anticipate extreme winter weather patterns, allowing governments and communities to prepare for the challenges posed by intense cold outbreaks.

1 days ago

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MAINSTREAM The Watchers Natural Events

Strong and shallow M6.0 earthquake hits off the coast of Oregon

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck off the coast of Oregon at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). The quake occurred early in the morning UTC time, with the epicenter located approximately 295 kilometers west of Bandon, 306 kilometers west of Coos Bay, and 338 kilometers west-southwest of Newport. Despite the quake’s strength, the USGS issued a Green alert, indicating a low likelihood of casualties or significant economic damage. The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that no tsunami is expected following the event. The affected coastal region includes small cities with populations ranging from around 3,000 to 16,000 residents, many of whom live in structures moderately resistant to seismic shaking. Vulnerable building types in the area primarily consist of reinforced concrete frames with unreinforced brick infill, which may be more susceptible to damage. The earthquake’s shallow depth contributed to the shaking felt onshore, but the distance of the epicenter offshore helped mitigate the potential impact on populated areas. USGS aftershock forecasts suggest a very low probability of a larger follow-up quake, with less than a 1% chance of an aftershock reaching magnitude 6 or greater in the coming week. However, smaller aftershocks remain likely, with an 8% chance of magnitude 5 or higher and an 80% chance of magnitude 3 or higher events. While aftershock activity is expected to decrease over time, it may persist for several months. This earthquake adds to the seismic activity profile of the Pacific Northwest, a region known for its complex tectonic setting and potential for significant seismic hazards.

1 days ago

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MAINSTREAM Severe Weather Europe

Polar Vortex Reloaded: Frigid Arctic Cold Grips Canada and the United States into Deep Freeze

A significant shift in the Polar Vortex is driving a renewed surge of frigid Arctic air across Canada and the United States, plunging much of the continent into a deep freeze. After a relatively mild period, the southern lobe of the Polar Vortex is extending far southward, bringing multiple cold outbreaks, snow, and intense winter weather through the end of the month. This pattern is expected to impact the eastern two-thirds of the U.S., with cold waves sweeping from Canada into the Midwest, Northeast, and even reaching the Deep South. The cold air mass is accompanied by clipper systems and lake-effect snow, resulting in snow squalls and hazardous winter conditions from the Midwest to the Northeast. A particularly notable development is the potential for rare snowfall in southern Georgia and northern Florida this weekend, as the Arctic air pushes unusually far south. Temperatures in Florida are forecast to drop low enough to trigger “falling iguana” alerts, a rare but serious phenomenon where cold temperatures cause iguanas to become immobilized and fall from trees. Meteorologists attribute this pattern to a dynamic dipole weather setup, with blocking high-pressure systems over the western U.S. and deep troughs over the east, causing the jet stream to adopt a more meridional flow. This configuration allows Arctic air masses to penetrate deeply into southern regions. Satellite data and temperature forecasts for cities like Edmonton and Washington, D.C., indicate sharp fluctuations with repeated cold blasts expected over the coming weeks. The ongoing activity of the Polar Vortex and its southern displacement highlight the volatile nature of winter weather this season. The sustained period of extreme cold and snow poses challenges for infrastructure, transportation, and public safety across a broad swath of North America, emphasizing the need for preparedness as these Arctic conditions persist.

1 days ago

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MAINSTREAM Guardian Weather

‘People don’t even know if help is coming’: Cornish villagers frustrated by lack of help after Storm Goretti

Storm Goretti caused significant disruption across Cornwall last week, leaving many residents without power, water, or phone connections nearly a week after the storm hit. With gusts reaching up to 99mph and heavy rainfall totaling 61.8mm, the storm brought down hundreds of trees, blocking roads and isolating communities. Villagers in areas such as Goldsithney have expressed growing frustration over the slow response and lack of clear communication from utility companies and government agencies, with some fearing they have been left to manage the crisis on their own. Among those affected is Linda Williams, 86, who has been without heating, lighting, and a working phone for five days. She relies on neighbors for hot meals and warm drinks while waiting for power restoration. Similarly, Roger Gillespie, 75, is coping by using a camping stove and log burner to heat his 15th-century home, while also managing without clean water after his supply turned milky. Both residents highlight the vulnerability of older and less able individuals in the community, underscoring the human impact of the prolonged outages. Local authorities have been working to address the situation, with Liberal Democrat councillor Juliet Line dedicating hours to visiting isolated residents and coordinating efforts to clear fallen trees and restore services. However, she criticized the lack of national attention and support, emphasizing that the scale of the damage exceeds local capacity. The crisis has exposed weaknesses in infrastructure resilience and emergency response in rural Cornwall, raising calls for greater government involvement to ensure timely assistance and improved preparedness for future storms.

4 days ago

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