Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Anna Odine Stroem of Norway competes en route to winning the World Cup women's ski jumping bronze at Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium in Sapporo, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026.

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Abigail Strate of Canada competes en route to winning the World Cup women's ski jumping silver at Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium in Sapporo, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026.

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Nika Prevc (C) of Slovenia poses after winning the World Cup women's ski jumping gold at Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium in Sapporo, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026, alongside silver medalist Abigail Strate (L) of Canada and bronze medalist Anna Odine Stroem of Norway.

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Nika Prevc (R) of Slovenia celebrates after winning the World Cup women's ski jumping gold at Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium in Sapporo, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026.

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Nika Prevc of Slovenia competes en route to winning the World Cup women's ski jumping gold at Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium in Sapporo, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026.

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

An icefall festival begins in Kamikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026. The annual event, featuring about 10 ice sculptures lit up in seven colors, will run through March 8.

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

An icefall festival begins in Kamikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026. The annual event, featuring about 10 ice sculptures lit up in seven colors, will run through March 8.

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

An icefall festival begins in Kamikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026. The annual event, featuring about 10 ice sculptures lit up in seven colors, will run through March 8.

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

An icefall festival begins in Kamikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026. The annual event, featuring about 10 ice sculptures lit up in seven colors, will run through March 8.

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

Icefall festival in Hokkaido

An icefall festival begins in Kamikawa in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 24, 2026. The annual event, featuring about 10 ice sculptures lit up in seven colors, will run through March 8.

Northern Japan chapel made of ice

SHIMUKAPPU, Japan, Jan. 21 Kyodo - Video taken on Jan. 20, 2026, in Shimukappu, a northern Japan village where winter temperatures can fall as low as minus 30 C, shows a chapel where the ceiling, walls, altar and cross are made of ice. (Kyodo)

US: Extreme Cold Watch in Effect in Iowa as Strong Gusts Create Dangerous Conditions

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for Iowa, warning of high winds, snow, and an extended period of low temperatures. A wind advisory remained in effect until 11 p.m. Wednesday, January 21, for several counties. In northern and northeastern Iowa, strong gusts caused blowing snow and reduced visibility, potentially triggering blizzard conditions.

Frozen lake in northern Japan

Frozen lake in northern Japan

Bubbles trapped within the ice are visible on the frozen surface of the man-made Lake Nukabira in Kamishihoro in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 22, 2026. These "ice bubbles" form when methane gas rises from the lake and becomes sealed in as the water freezes.

Frozen lake in northern Japan

Frozen lake in northern Japan

Bubbles trapped within the ice are visible on the frozen surface of the man-made Lake Nukabira in Kamishihoro in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 22, 2026. These "ice bubbles" form when methane gas rises from the lake and becomes sealed in as the water freezes.

Frozen lake in northern Japan

Frozen lake in northern Japan

Bubbles trapped within the ice are visible on the frozen surface of the man-made Lake Nukabira in Kamishihoro in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 22, 2026. These "ice bubbles" form when methane gas rises from the lake and becomes sealed in as the water freezes.

Frozen lake in northern Japan

Frozen lake in northern Japan

Bubbles trapped within the ice are visible on the frozen surface of the man-made Lake Nukabira in Kamishihoro in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Jan. 22, 2026. These "ice bubbles" form when methane gas rises from the lake and becomes sealed in as the water freezes.

RECAP: Strongest Solar Storm in Over 20 Years Triggers Widespread Auroras

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday, January 19 and Tuesday, January 20. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

Rare Solar Storm Triggers Northern Lights Across Europe and North America 7

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday night, January 19. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

Japan: Heavy Snow and Strong Winds Affect Northern Regions 2

Snowfall and strong winds affected parts of Hokkaido and the Tohoku region on Tuesday, January 20, as a low-pressure system moved across northern Japan. Snow accumulated rapidly in some areas, while gusty winds led to reduced visibility and difficult travel conditions, particularly along the Sea of Japan coast.

Japan: Heavy Snow and Strong Winds Affect Northern Regions 3

Snowfall and strong winds affected parts of Hokkaido and the Tohoku region on Tuesday, January 20, as a low-pressure system moved across northern Japan. Snow accumulated rapidly in some areas, while gusty winds led to reduced visibility and difficult travel conditions, particularly along the Sea of Japan coast.

Japan: Heavy Snow and Strong Winds Affect Northern Regions

Snowfall and strong winds affected parts of Hokkaido and the Tohoku region on Tuesday, January 20, as a low-pressure system moved across northern Japan. Snow accumulated rapidly in some areas, while gusty winds led to reduced visibility and difficult travel conditions, particularly along the Sea of Japan coast.

Northern Japan hotel made of ice

Northern Japan hotel made of ice

Photo taken on Jan. 20, 2026, in Shimukappu, a northern Japan village where winter temperatures can fall as low as minus 30 C, shows the interior of a dome-shaped hotel where the ceiling, walls and furnishings, including beds and tables, are made of ice.

Northern Japan hotel made of ice

Northern Japan hotel made of ice

Photo taken on Jan. 20, 2026, in Shimukappu, a northern Japan village where winter temperatures can fall as low as minus 30 C, shows the interior of a dome-shaped hotel where the ceiling, walls and furnishings, including beds and tables, are made of ice.

Northern Japan hotel made of ice

Northern Japan hotel made of ice

Photo taken on Jan. 20, 2026, in Shimukappu, a northern Japan village where winter temperatures can fall as low as minus 30 C, shows the interior of a dome-shaped hotel where the ceiling, walls and furnishings, including beds and tables, are made of ice.

Northern Japan hotel made of ice

Northern Japan hotel made of ice

Photo taken on Jan. 20, 2026, in Shimukappu, a northern Japan village where winter temperatures can fall as low as minus 30 C, shows the interior of a dome-shaped hotel where the ceiling, walls and furnishings, including beds and tables, are made of ice.

Northern Japan chapel made of ice

Northern Japan chapel made of ice

Photo taken on Jan. 20, 2026, in Shimukappu, a northern Japan village where winter temperatures can fall as low as minus 30 C, shows a chapel where the ceiling, walls, altar and cross are made of ice.

Northern Japan chapel made of ice

Northern Japan chapel made of ice

Photo taken on Jan. 20, 2026, in Shimukappu, a northern Japan village where winter temperatures can fall as low as minus 30 C, shows a chapel where the ceiling, walls, altar and cross are made of ice.

Northern Japan chapel made of ice

Northern Japan chapel made of ice

Photo taken on Jan. 20, 2026, in Shimukappu, a northern Japan village where winter temperatures can fall as low as minus 30 C, shows a chapel where the ceiling, walls, altar and cross are made of ice.

Rare Solar Storm Triggers Northern Lights Across Europe and North America 6

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday night, January 19. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

Rare Solar Storm Triggers Northern Lights Across Europe and North America 5

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday night, January 19. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

Rare Solar Storm Triggers Northern Lights Across Europe and North America 4

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday night, January 19. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

Rare Solar Storm Triggers Northern Lights Across Europe and North America

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday night, January 19. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

Rare Solar Storm Triggers Northern Lights Across Europe and North America 2

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday night, January 19. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

Rare Solar Storm Triggers Northern Lights Across Europe and North America 3

A powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by one of the strongest solar eruptions in more than 20 years lit up skies across large parts of Europe and North America on Monday night, January 19. The rare event allowed the northern lights to be seen far south of their usual range, including in parts of the United States, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland, according to NOAA.

Kurds Protest Syrian Attacks - Turkey

Kurds Protest Syrian Attacks - Turkey

Participants try to help a man who lost consciousness after police used pepper spray during a demonstration in Diyarbakir, Turkey on January 19, 2026, against attacks by Syrian government forces. At least 500 people rallied in the Kurdish-majority southeast city, where clashes erupted as police tried to stop the demonstrators. The protest follows Syria's army taking control of parts of northern regions, dislodging Kurdish forces from territory after over a decade of effective autonomy. Photo by Bilal Seckin/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Kurds Protest Syrian Attacks - Turkey

Kurds Protest Syrian Attacks - Turkey

Police officers force a protester to the ground while arresting him during a demonstration in Diyarbakir, Turkey on January 19, 2026, against attacks by Syrian government forces. At least 500 people rallied in the Kurdish-majority southeast city, where clashes erupted as police tried to stop the demonstrators. The protest follows Syria's army taking control of parts of northern regions, dislodging Kurdish forces from territory after over a decade of effective autonomy. Photo by Bilal Seckin/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Kurds Protest Syrian Attacks - Turkey

Kurds Protest Syrian Attacks - Turkey

A protester flees from pepper spray during a demonstration in Diyarbakir, Turkey on January 19, 2026, against attacks by Syrian government forces. At least 500 people rallied in the Kurdish-majority southeast city, where clashes erupted as police tried to stop the demonstrators. The protest follows Syria's army taking control of parts of northern regions, dislodging Kurdish forces from territory after over a decade of effective autonomy. Photo by Bilal Seckin/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Kurds Protest Syrian Attacks - Turkey

Kurds Protest Syrian Attacks - Turkey

Protesters wave an Antifa flag during a demonstration in Diyarbakir, Turkey on January 19, 2026, against attacks by Syrian government forces. At least 500 people rallied in the Kurdish-majority southeast city, where clashes erupted as police tried to stop the demonstrators. The protest follows Syria's army taking control of parts of northern regions, dislodging Kurdish forces from territory after over a decade of effective autonomy. Photo by Bilal Seckin/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Kurds Protest Syrian Attacks - Turkey

Kurds Protest Syrian Attacks - Turkey

Protesters gather and flash victory signs during a demonstration in Diyarbakir, Turkey on January 19, 2026, against attacks by Syrian government forces. At least 500 people rallied in the Kurdish-majority southeast city, where clashes erupted as police tried to stop the demonstrators. The protest follows Syria's army taking control of parts of northern regions, dislodging Kurdish forces from territory after over a decade of effective autonomy. Photo by Bilal Seckin/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Naoki Nakamura (R) of Japan and compatriot Ren Nikaido smile after winning the World Cup men's ski jumping silver and bronze, respectively, in Sapporo, northern Japan, on Jan. 17, 2026.

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Naoki Nakamura (R) of Japan and compatriot Ren Nikaido pose after winning the World Cup men's ski jumping silver and bronze, respectively, in Sapporo, northern Japan, on Jan. 17, 2026.

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Naoki Nakamura of Japan (R) and compatriot Ren Nikaido pose after winning the World Cup men's ski jumping silver and bronze, respectively, in Sapporo, northern Japan, on Jan. 17, 2026.

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Naoki Nakamura of Japan (R) and compatriot Ren Nikaido pose after winning the World Cup men's ski jumping silver and bronze, respectively, in Sapporo, northern Japan, on Jan. 17, 2026.

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Naoki Nakamura of Japan (R) and compatriot Ren Nikaido pose after winning the World Cup men's ski jumping silver and bronze, respectively, in Sapporo, northern Japan, on Jan. 17, 2026.

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Domen Prevc of Slovenia competes en route to winning the World Cup men's ski jumping gold in Sapporo, northern Japan, on Jan. 17, 2026.

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Domen Prevc of Slovenia competes en route to winning the World Cup men's ski jumping gold in Sapporo, northern Japan, on Jan. 17, 2026.

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Domen Prevc of Slovenia competes en route to winning the World Cup men's ski jumping gold in Sapporo, northern Japan, on Jan. 17, 2026.

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Domen Prevc of Slovenia competes en route to winning the World Cup men's ski jumping gold in Sapporo, northern Japan, on Jan. 17, 2026.

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Ren Nikaido of Japan competes en route to winning the World Cup men's ski jumping bronze in Sapporo, northern Japan, on Jan. 17, 2026.

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Ski jumping: World Cup in Sapporo

Ren Nikaido of Japan competes en route to winning the World Cup men's ski jumping bronze in Sapporo, northern Japan, on Jan. 17, 2026.