Freezing Nation: United States is Getting Colder, While Most Parts of the World Experiences Unprecedented Warm Weather Due to Climate Change [Research]

A deep freeze has blanketed the United States once again, as observed during the 2023-2024 North American winter season since December. As the US becomes a freezing nation, most parts of the world are experiencing unprecedented warm weather, according to research.

Amid these conditions, climate scientists are blaming climate change again. However, this time is different due to several factors.

Weather experts point out that the US deep freeze is potentially being triggered by multiple natural factors, including the melting Artic Sea ice, the expanding polar vortex, or general repercussions caused by climate change. Among these factors, scientists from previous studies are concerned with the polar vortex, a large area of cold air and low-pressure air surrounding both of Earth's poles.

US Deep Freeze

Based on data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), all states in the continental US have experienced a temperature drop below zero degrees Fahrenheit, with Hawaii the only state not experiencing subzero temperature. The data consists of record-breaking US deep freeze temperature since recordings started in the late 1800s or 19th century.

Even the heat-stricken states in the Southwest and South US are also susceptible to the gradual cooling of the country over the past several decades. For instance, Texas recorded its lowest temperature of -23 degrees Fahrenheit in 1933. Meanwhile, Arizona had -40 degrees Fahrenheit back in 1971 and New Mexico -50 degrees Fahrenheit in 1951.

Cold Outbreak

Rising global temperatures or a warming weather across the world is a recurring data, often seen in climate studies and even long-term weather outlook. In this context, while greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel burning have been in the center in the issue of the climate crisis, there are other factors at play often ignored.

According to climate scientists, including those from the Woodwell Research Center and Atmospheric Environmental Research, rapid arctic warming and polar vortex are forces that contribute to the current cold outbreak being experienced in North America, where cold air is being pushed toward the US through Canada.

Why is the Polar Vortex a Problem?

The polar vortex always exists near the Earth's poles but weakens during the summer season and strengthens during the winter season, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). This is the case both for the northern hemisphere and southern hemisphere, wherein each region has a different timeline of meteorological seasons.

Since polar vortexes are not weather systems like tropical cyclones, including storms and hurricanes, these low-pressure, cold air masses have always been around. Yet, scientists in previous years have become concerned since notable changes have been observed, particularly in the Arctic polar vortex.

In a report back in January 2023, not only the US but also Canada has experienced extreme cold temperatures due to the Arctic polar vortex. This phenomenon is not necessarily caused by a reversal or slowing down of climate change, but the vortex has become unstable and migrated from its usual place over the pole.