The United States is currently experiencing a barrage of extreme weather events across the country, with forecasts predicting record-breaking heat in the Southwest, heavy snow in the Great Lakes region, and Arctic chills invading the Midwest and East due to a strong polar vortex. This follows recent “weather whiplash” in the East, where unseasonably warm temperatures were abruptly followed by snow. Experts attribute these widespread extremes to a volatile jet stream, a phenomenon increasingly linked to climate change.
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The article highlights the severe impact of a winter storm in Japan, where at least 35 people have died and nearly 400 have been injured due to heavy snowfall. The extreme weather has also caused widespread disruptions, with over 1,700 homes losing power and numerous train lines and roads becoming impassable. Authorities are issuing warnings of potential avalanches as temperatures rise, adding further danger to the already precarious situation.
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A severe heatwave has gripped several states, with Andamooka and Port Augusta, South Australia, both reaching a scorching 50°C. This extreme heat is attributed to a slow-moving upper-level high pressure system, creating a “heat dome” that traps hot air. These were the 8th and 9th times Australia has recorded 50°C temperatures, with the last occurrence being in 2022. Several other locations across South Australia and New South Wales also experienced temperatures in the high 40s during the week.
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US storm leaves 160,000 without power, forces thousands of flight cancellations – that’s the headline, and let’s dive right in. The situation is pretty dire, with a massive winter storm barreling across the United States, bringing a cocktail of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. This isn’t just your average winter weather; we’re talking about a “monster” storm, one that’s already wreaking havoc and threatening to cripple large swaths of the country.
The impact is immediately visible in the staggering number of power outages. Over 160,000 electricity customers are in the dark, stretching as far west as Texas. The bulk of these outages are concentrated in Louisiana and Texas, but as the storm progresses, the affected areas are expanding.… Continue reading
On Christmas Eve, Iceland experienced record-breaking temperatures, with Seyðisfjörður reaching 19.8C, far exceeding the average December temperatures of -1C to 4C. This unprecedented warmth, also seen in other areas, was caused by a high-pressure system bringing warm, tropical air to the region. This extreme heat is part of a larger trend, as Iceland is warming due to global heating, leading to occurrences like mosquito sightings for the first time and changes in marine life. Studies show that the Arctic region is warming at four times the rate of the rest of the planet, which is impacting the environment in Iceland.
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The 2025 State of the Climate report, compiled by an international team of researchers, reveals that 22 out of 34 vital signs of the planet are at record levels, signaling alarming trends. Notably, fossil fuel consumption reached new highs in 2024, contributing to record-breaking global temperatures, and atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Extreme weather events and ocean heat content also surged, alongside increasing wildfire-related tree loss. Although the report paints a grim picture, it also highlights the growth of renewable energy and rising public awareness, suggesting that mitigation efforts, though urgent, could still limit further warming.
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Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has linked several extreme heat waves in 2025 to human-caused climate change, similar to findings from the prior year. This connection was established using a new rapid extreme weather event attribution system that compares current climate data to pre-industrial conditions. The system analyzes recorded greenhouse gas levels and human activities to determine the impact of climate change on the likelihood of extreme weather events. In reviewing 10 of the hottest heat waves from July and August, the system concluded that nine were made “much more likely” due to climate change.
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A powerful nor’easter brought heavy rain, high winds, and coastal flooding to the Northeast, leading to road closures, flight delays, and emergency declarations in New York and New Jersey. Simultaneously, the remnants of Typhoon Halong caused catastrophic flooding in western Alaska, particularly in coastal communities like Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, where homes were swept away and residents were potentially unaccounted for. Emergency responders were deployed to the affected areas in Alaska and the National Guard was activated in Delaware as officials issued evacuation orders and warned of rising floodwaters. Further south, along the coast, South Carolina also experienced widespread flooding and water rescues.
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The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that July was the third-warmest on record, following two consecutive years of record-breaking temperatures. Despite a slightly lower global average, extreme weather events persisted, highlighting the ongoing effects of a warming world. The average global surface air temperature in July was still significantly above pre-industrial levels, and the 12-month period ending in July exceeded the 1.5°C warming threshold. The agency emphasized that unless greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, extreme weather events are likely to continue.
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Northern European countries are experiencing “truly unprecedented” heat, with the Arctic Circle in Norway recording temperatures above 30C (86F) for multiple days in July, and Finland enduring its longest heat streak since 1961. Scientists attribute these prolonged heatwaves, driven by hot waters and high pressure systems, to climate change, noting the increasing frequency and severity of such events. These extreme temperatures, which are 8-10C above seasonal norms, have led to wildfires, infrastructure strain, and the opening of ice rinks for relief, impacting both locals and tourists. Experts warn that these severe heatwaves will intensify as climate change progresses, posing significant challenges for the region.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood