Isle of Man endures freezing storms and record rainfall in January 2026
January 2026 brought unusually cold, wet, and windy conditions to the Isle of Man. The month saw temperatures drop below freezing, heavy rainfall, and strong storms—marking a stark contrast to typical winter weather on the island.
The month began with wintry showers, snow, and icy patches. On January 4, daytime temperatures struggled to rise above 4.1°C, making it the coldest day. Overnight lows later plunged to -1.4°C, while grass temperatures hit -6.0°C, increasing frost risks.
Rainfall dominated the month, with totals reaching 125.4mm—50% higher than average. New Year's Day recorded the heaviest downpour at 17.2mm. Despite the wet conditions, sunshine levels were slightly above normal, totaling 60.4 hours.
Storm Chandra struck on January 27, bringing gusts of 67 mph at Ronaldsway. The mean temperature for the month settled at 6.1°C, just 0.3°C below average. The highest temperature, 11.0°C, occurred on January 11, offering a brief respite from the chill.
January 2026 stood out for its extreme weather, from freezing starts to storm-force winds. While no major disruptions to farming or infrastructure were reported, the month's conditions were notably harsher than usual. The mix of rain, cold snaps, and high winds left a clear mark on the island's winter records.
