A powerful winter storm is currently blanketing parts of the West with deep snow, while the central U.S. is experiencing unseasonably warm temperatures. In Wisconsin, individuals are taking advantage of the warm weather by playing golf, and in Iowa, residents are enjoying leisurely walks with their dogs amidst blooming flowers. However, high winds in several states are also increasing the risk of wildfires.
Factors Contributing to the Unusual Weather
Three key factors are influencing the atypical weather patterns seen across the country:
- The Jet Stream: The jet stream, a band of strong winds, is currently positioned in a way that traps warm air from the south beneath cold air from the north. This unusual orientation of the jet stream has led to warm air reaching the typically frigid Upper Midwest.
- Global Warming: While it is challenging to directly attribute specific weather events to global warming, the overall trend of rising global temperatures is a contributing factor. January 2024 set a record for being the warmest first month of the year, with temperatures 2.74 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than pre-industrial levels.
- El Niño: The weather pattern known as El Niño is also playing a role in the current weather conditions. El Niño can cause the jet stream to shift further north than usual, impacting weather patterns across the U.S.
Impacts and Outlook
As a result of these weather phenomena, the East Coast is expected to experience warmer temperatures later in the week, with cities like Washington and New York anticipating temperatures well above normal. Southern regions are also bracing for unusually warm weather, with some areas potentially reaching temperatures in the '80s and '90s. Dallas-Fort Worth, in particular, may break daily temperature records with temperatures expected to soar into the low '90s.
It is important to note that an earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the impact of El Niño on transporting warm air from the Gulf of Mexico northward.
Overall, the unique combination of the jet stream, global warming, and El Niño is creating a diverse range of weather conditions across the U.S., from heavy snowfall to unseasonable warmth.