Introduction The cold snap that occurred in early 2026 represented a significant weather event, marked by plummeting temperatures and widespread impacts across multiple regions. Characterized by severe winter conditions, this phenomenon fundamentally influenced daily life, infrastructure, and ecology. The cold snap’s onset was rapid, starting in January and continuing through February, leading to record-low temperatures in areas that typically experience milder winters. As such, it presents a pivotal case study in how extreme weather events can disrupt normal climatic patterns. …