February 2026: 5 Climate Shocks That Could Change Your Life—Are You Prepared?

As winter gives way to spring, the climate crisis continues to cast an ominous shadow over the United States, particularly in the West, where record-low snowfall has left many communities grappling with water shortages. Jen Brady, a senior data analyst and research manager at Climate Central, warns that "near record-low winter snowfall across the western United States has serious consequences for the region." She emphasizes that winter snow is crucial for replenishing water supplies throughout the year, meaning the repercussions of this snow drought will resonate for months to come.

Dr. Zachary Labe, a climate scientist at Climate Central, adds that "across the United States, the fingerprints of climate change are unmistakable in warming spring temperatures." This transformation in weather patterns is quickly reshaping daily life—from longer allergy seasons and shifting agricultural zones to earlier mountain snowmelt. The data supports these observations: February 2026 was the fifth-warmest month on record globally since records began in 1850, with both land and ocean temperatures climbing significantly. The global average temperature over land was the sixth-warmest, while ocean temperatures reached the second-highest levels ever recorded for that month. Alarmingly, the last time February’s global mean temperature was cooler than normal was 1979.

The impact is being felt across the contiguous United States as well. The winter of 2025-2026 has been recorded as the second-warmest winter on record, with average maximum temperatures reaching unprecedented highs. Nine states—Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming—reported their warmest winters on record. In stark contrast, Delaware experienced its 28th-coldest winter on record.

Precipitation levels tell a troubling story. This winter was the fifth-driest on record for the contiguous U.S., marking the driest winter in 45 years. Much of the central U.S. received only 25-50% of its normal winter precipitation, with specific regions in eastern Nebraska and Texas seeing less than 10% of expected levels. These figures paint a bleak picture of the ongoing water scarcity, particularly in the West, where many areas have not seen adequate snowfall.

In February 2026, the situation worsened as it ranked as the fifth-driest February on record for the contiguous U.S. States like Mississippi recorded their driest February ever, while Maine saw its second-driest February. This trend reflects a broader pattern of dry conditions; as of early March, 77% of the contiguous U.S. was experiencing abnormal dryness or drought. The snow water equivalent—a key indicator of water availability from snowpack—remains below 50% of the 1991-2020 normal across most watersheds from Oregon to New Mexico.

Looking beyond just numbers, the implications of climate change are profound. Brady highlights that the current snow drought presents serious challenges for "communities, agriculture, energy, and ecosystems" in the West. Particularly alarming is the fact that 95% of Utah’s water supply comes from its snowpack, and with current conditions showing a record-low snow water equivalent, future water availability is under serious threat.

Dr. Labe notes that large portions of the western U.S. have experienced their warmest winter on record, largely due to high-pressure systems that foster warmer, drier conditions. By early January 2026, snow-covered areas were only 34% of normal, the lowest on record for that month. This lack of snow cover continued into February, where the snow cover duration dropped to 63% below normal—again, a record low.

These climatic changes are not confined to just a few states. Across the nation, the warming trend is evident. In 54 U.S. cities, residents encountered winter temperatures that were made at least twice as likely by climate change. In Puerto Rico, over two-thirds of winter days exhibited a strong climate change influence. The connection between shifting climates and extreme weather events cannot be overlooked, as various regions grapple with the consequences of these long-term changes.

As we analyze the climate outlook, forecasts indicate a strong likelihood of warmer-than-normal temperatures across most of the U.S. for the upcoming summer months. With El Niño conditions potentially developing, the weather patterns may further exacerbate drought conditions, particularly in the Southwest. This calls for urgent attention and action to address the climate crisis head-on.

In summary, climate change is reshaping our winters, posing significant challenges across multiple sectors—from water supply and agriculture to health and ecosystem stability. While the statistics are alarming, they underscore a pressing need for comprehensive climate action to mitigate future impacts.