After a summer full of record-breaking heat, a widespread grapple with extreme cold now presents itself throughout the United States. The unprecedented heat has brought upon a brutal Arctic blast this winter, presenting snow squalls, deadly ice, and life-threatening winds.
According to NASA, global temperatures in 2024 were 1.28 degrees Celsius above the agency’s 20th century baseline (1951-1980), ultimately topping the record set in 2023. This new report has come after 15 consecutive months of scorching new records occurring from June 2023 to August 2024 – an abnormal heat streak.
This warming is due to the increase of carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere, fueled by the mining and burning of fossil fuels. These greenhouse gasses trap heat close to the planet’s surface, which is in turn, raising the temperature.
This unexpected warmth has led to a series of extreme weather events, yet paradoxically, regions across the globe are experiencing bouts of cold weather. Temperature variability needs to be critically understood when touching on such an event, noting that weather and climate are not synonymous. Climate refers to long-term averages and trends, while weather pertains to short-term conditions; meaning that it is entirely possible for localized cold snaps to occur amidst the extensive planet warming.
An invasion of frigid air from a polar vortex related Arctic blast is said to be sweeping south from the Plains and Ohio Valley this past Sunday (January 19th, 2025), moving towards the Southeast and East.
The colder-than-average temperatures threatens public health for those exposed to the wind, stating that the 15 to 25 miles per hour gusts are chilling down to negative 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the Upper Midwest. Heightening the risk of hypothermia and frostbit for people exposed in the conditions for too long.
Along with the wind, a snowstorm has affected areas from the Mid-Atlantic to the Northeast this past Sunday and Monday, being the heaviest snowstorm to hit Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston this year: some five to ten inches in this broad region.
With more than 75% of the United States expected to face freezing temperature the rest of this week, over 70 million people are under winter weather advisories and winter storm warning from Tennessee to Maine. Freezing rain, falling snow, and frostbitten wind have caused numerous frozen pipes, multiple cases of frostbite, and thousands of travel delays.
Climate change plays a pivotal role in altering traditional weather patterns. As global temperatures continue to rise due to increased greenhouse gas emissions, these consequences of extreme weather will become common. Which is a problem.
The duality of experiencing both extreme heat and unexpected cold poses significant challenges for ecosystems and human society alike. Wildlife adapted to warmer climates may struggle with the sudden temperature drops that may disrupt their breeding cycles or food availability.
Similarly, agricultural practices must adapt rapidly. Crops that seemingly thrive in warmer conditions may be jeopardized by unseasonable frost and wind. And for communities already vulnerable due to socioeconomic factors, these fluctuations amplify existing inequalities. Without adequate heating or infrastructure, millions may suffer during these cold snaps, despite living in a generally warming world era.
While 2024’s world-breaking record stands as a reminder of our planet’s escalating temperatures and climate crisis, it also illustrates the complexity of our climate system where extremes coexist. Understanding this paradox is essential for developing strategies for adaptation as we navigate an increasingly unpredictable future.
