Cold weather: From Harbour Island mild night to looming US polar vortex
Introduction
Cold weather is capturing headlines in very different ways across the hemisphere. For residents and travellers, understanding near-term conditions and larger-scale forecasts matters for safety, travel planning and daily routines. Current observations from Harbour Island, Bahamas, show mild, damp conditions, while meteorologists warn that the polar vortex could drive unusually cold and snowy conditions across the eastern United States in February 2026.
Main developments
Local conditions: Harbour Island, Bahamas
At 02:18 local time on 4 February 2026, Harbour Island reported a temperature of 20.3°C (68.5°F) with the condition described as ‘Patchy rain nearby’. It was night-time with full cloud cover (100%) and light precipitation recorded at 0.02 mm. Winds were easterly at 11.0 mph (17.6 kph) with gusts up to 14.2 mph (22.8 kph). Atmospheric pressure was relatively high at 1,023 mb and humidity was 58%, giving a dew point of 11.8°C. Visibility remained at 10 km and the local ‘feels like’ temperature matched the observed 20.3°C.
Polar vortex and eastern US outlook
By contrast, forecasts cited in national reporting point to severe cold across parts of the United States. According to coverage summarising meteorological commentary, much of the eastern US is expected to be the coldest region relative to average over the next 10 days. Forecasters attribute the risk to continued activity in the polar vortex, which can ‘stretch’ and channel very cold air southwards. Long-range analysis noted the potential for another surge of bitterly cold air across central and eastern states around the middle of February. Regional monthly forecasts for New England indicate a colder-than-normal February with below-normal precipitation overall, but with several ‘storm windows’ — including one around 6 February — when snow is more likely.
Conclusion and outlook
Readers should note the contrast: mild, damp conditions in the Bahamas coexist with the threat of extreme cold and snow in parts of the US driven by polar-vortex dynamics. The situation highlights how local weather can diverge sharply from broader hemispheric patterns. Forecasts point to continuing variability through mid-February; residents and travellers in affected regions should monitor updates from local meteorological services and plan for rapidly changing conditions where the polar vortex may bring historic cold or increased snowfall risk.
