Extreme Winter Weather in North America

Winter storms can bring heavy snow and freezing temperatures, though global warming also means there can be more potent rainstorms and heat waves as well.
Snow in Southern California
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Snow in Southern California

A powerful late-February storm brought blizzard conditions to areas near Los Angeles.

Published Feb 27, 2023

Image of the Day Severe Storms Snow and Ice

Weather Whiplash
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Weather Whiplash

The configuration of the polar vortex may have played a role in unleashing bitter cold followed by record warmth in North America.

Published Jan 4, 2023

Image of the Day Atmosphere Heat Severe Storms Snow and Ice Remote Sensing

Blizzard Conditions in the U.S. Northeast
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Blizzard Conditions in the U.S. Northeast

An Arctic cold front swept across the Great Lakes and brought fierce winds and potent lake-effect snow.

Published Dec 27, 2022

Image of the Day Atmosphere Heat Land Severe Storms Snow and Ice

The Freezing Snowy Nightmare Before Christmas
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The Freezing Snowy Nightmare Before Christmas

A blast of Arctic air will plunge south and help trigger a powerful blizzard that will churn through the central and eastern U.S.

Published Dec 21, 2022

Image of the Day Atmosphere Heat Land Severe Storms Human Presence

Blizzard Blankets Northeast U.S. in Snow
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Blizzard Blankets Northeast U.S. in Snow

Twelve states from North Carolina to Maine received measurable snowfall from the nor'easter, which included hurricane-force wind gusts.

Published Jan 31, 2022

Image of the Day Severe Storms Snow and Ice

Snowy Scene Surrounding the Salish Sea
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Snowy Scene Surrounding the Salish Sea

After a rainy autumn, winter weather arrived in the Pacific Northwest.

Published Jan 7, 2022

Image of the Day Land Water Severe Storms Human Presence

Mid-Atlantic Snow Band
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Mid-Atlantic Snow Band

The storm blanketed the region with snow, closed schools, and snarled traffic.

Published Jan 4, 2022

Land Severe Storms Human Presence Snow and Ice

Colorado Faces Winter Urban Firestorm
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Colorado Faces Winter Urban Firestorm

Hurricane-force winds whipped fires across drought-parched grasslands and into suburban neighborhoods.

Published Jan 3, 2022

Image of the Day Heat Land Fires Severe Storms Human Presence

Derecho Sweeps Across Midwest
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Derecho Sweeps Across Midwest

Hurricane-force winds, dust storms, tornadoes, wildfires, snow squalls, heavy rain, and record-breaking heat accompanied an unusual December storm system.

Published Dec 16, 2021

Image of the Day Atmosphere Land Severe Storms Remote Sensing

Nighttime Images Detail Kentucky Blackout
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Nighttime Images Detail Kentucky Blackout

Tornadoes and severe winds knocked out power to Mayfield and surrounding towns.

Published Dec 15, 2021

Atmosphere Land Severe Storms Human Presence Remote Sensing

Satellites Spot Tornado Tracks Across Midwest
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Satellites Spot Tornado Tracks Across Midwest

Preliminary reports suggest one tornado may have traveled nearly 200 miles, causing severe damage and human losses in Kentucky and three other states.

Published Dec 13, 2021

Image of the Day Atmosphere Land Severe Storms Human Presence Remote Sensing