Landsat Captures Icy Hudson River in Manhattan

Satellite imagery shows the Hudson River choked with ice during a cold snap in late January 2026.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Landsat 8 satellite imagery captured the Hudson River along Manhattan's western shore covered in ice during a stretch of frigid weather in late January 2026. The image uses representational color to distinguish the ice (light blue) from open water and snow, with vegetation appearing red.

Why it matters

The Landsat program provides valuable data on environmental changes, including the effects of extreme weather events like cold snaps on major waterways like the Hudson River. This imagery helps scientists and the public understand how climate patterns impact urban areas.

The details

Much of the ice in the image likely floated down from farther upriver, where tidal currents are weaker and salinity is lower, allowing water to freeze sooner and at higher temperatures than the faster-flowing, brackish water near the river's mouth.

  • The Landsat 8 satellite captured the image around midday on January 28, 2026.
  • The image was taken during a stretch of frigid weather in late January 2026.

The players

Michala Garrison

A scientist who used Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey to analyze the icy conditions on the Hudson River.

Landsat 8

A satellite in the Landsat program operated by the U.S. Geological Survey that captured the imagery of the icy Hudson River.

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The takeaway

This Landsat imagery provides valuable insights into how extreme winter weather can impact major urban waterways like the Hudson River, helping scientists and the public better understand the effects of climate patterns on the environment.