US Faces Cold Snap, Rare Christmas Snow

a { color: #880000 !important; background: #ffeeee !important; } Latest News from NourishThe Nourish Mission (formerly OneSub)Get answers to today's big questionsUS Faces Cold Snap, Rare Christmas Snowscience and environment > weatherA cold wave is affecting the US Northeast, with early snow in New York and New England, but no significant snowfall is expected for Christmas. Meanwhile, Europe experienced a tornado in Spain amid storm Emilia. The cold is linked to polar vortex activity, with forecasts predicting continued frigid temperatures.

What's happened

A cold wave is affecting the US Northeast, with early snow in New York and New England, but no significant snowfall is expected for Christmas. Meanwhile, Europe experienced a tornado in Spain amid storm Emilia. The cold is linked to polar vortex activity, with forecasts predicting continued frigid temperatures.

What's behind the headline?

The current cold wave in the US and Europe is a clear manifestation of polar vortex activity, which has become more unpredictable due to climate change. The persistent cold in early December signals a shift in typical seasonal patterns, with temperatures well below average for this time of year. The rarity of white Christmas in New York underscores how unusual this winter has been, although the forecast suggests no significant snow accumulation for Christmas itself. The European tornado caused by storm Emilia highlights the increasing intensity of weather events linked to shifting atmospheric conditions. This pattern indicates that such extreme weather will likely become more frequent, impacting infrastructure and daily life. The forecasted cold will also influence energy demand and could exacerbate vulnerabilities in vulnerable populations. Overall, these developments underscore the importance of climate resilience and adaptive planning in the face of increasingly volatile weather.

What the papers say

The New York Times reports that recent snowfalls in New York and New England are part of a transient cold pattern driven by Arctic air masses, with temperatures expected to remain below normal through the week. The Guardian highlights the early snowfall and significant accumulations in parts of Long Island, noting the unusual timing for December. Both sources emphasize the influence of polar vortex activity, with the Guardian also covering the tornado in Spain caused by storm Emilia, illustrating the global reach of extreme weather events. AccuWeather confirms that the persistent cold will continue into next week, with no immediate signs of a white Christmas, aligning with the forecasted mild holiday weather. The Weather Prediction Center and MIT climatologist Judah Cohen both attribute the cold snap to polar vortex dynamics, predicting a major cold surge in mid-December that will extend across North America and Europe, with temperatures plunging well below seasonal norms.

How we got here

Recent weather patterns have been influenced by polar vortex activity, bringing cold air from the Arctic into North America and Europe. Multiple cold fronts and low-pressure systems have caused early snowfalls and temperature drops, with some regions experiencing record lows. The ongoing cold spell is part of a broader pattern driven by climate variability and atmospheric dynamics.

Go deeper

Common question

How Cold Is It in the US Northeast Right Now?
The US Northeast is currently experiencing an intense cold wave driven by the polar vortex, bringing temperatures well below freezing. Many areas are facing their first below-zero temperatures of the season, with feels-like temperatures dropping as low as 12 degrees. This unusual early December cold snap has raised questions about how cold it really is, how long it will last, and what it means for daily life. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about this Arctic chill and what to expect in the coming days.
What Causes Arctic Cold Snaps and How Do They Impact the US?
Recent Arctic cold snaps have brought record-low temperatures to parts of the US, especially the Northeast and Midwest. These intense cold waves are driven by a phenomenon called the polar vortex, which pushes Arctic air southward. Many wonder what causes these cold snaps, why they affect certain regions, and what can be done to stay safe. Below, we answer common questions about these extreme weather events and their connection to climate patterns.
How Can I Protect My Home and Stay Safe During an Extreme Cold Wave?
With the recent Arctic cold snap hitting the US Northeast and Midwest, many are wondering how to stay safe and warm during such intense winter conditions. From protecting your home to understanding health risks, here are essential tips and answers to common questions about surviving extreme cold weather.
Does Climate Change Cause More Cold Weather or Fewer Cold Snaps?
Many people wonder how climate change impacts winter weather. While global warming is associated with rising temperatures, recent cold waves driven by Arctic air have raised questions about whether climate change means more or fewer cold snaps. In this page, we explore how Arctic warming influences polar vortex patterns, what scientists say about cold weather and climate change, and whether cold waves are signs of climate instability. Keep reading to understand the complex relationship between climate change and winter cold spells.
How Does This Cold Snap Compare to Past Record Lows?
A recent Arctic cold snap sweeping across the US Northeast and Midwest has raised questions about how it stacks up against historical winter extremes. While this cold wave is intense and persistent, it hasn't yet broken any record lows, but it does prompt us to look back at some of the coldest winters in US history. Understanding how this event compares can help us grasp the severity of current weather patterns and what they might mean for the future. Below, we explore past extreme cold events, how this one measures up, and what lessons we can learn from history.
Will Cold Snaps Continue? What to Expect from Future Winter Weather
Recent cold waves driven by Arctic air and the polar vortex have raised questions about whether such extreme winter weather will become more common. As climate patterns shift, many wonder if cold snaps like the one hitting the US Northeast will happen more often and what the future holds for winter forecasts. Here’s what the latest data and climate models suggest about upcoming cold weather and how we can prepare for it.
Why Is the US Experiencing Such a Cold Snap Now?
The US is currently facing an unusual and intense cold wave, driven by a polar vortex that has dipped southward. This phenomenon has caused record lows and early snow across many regions. Curious about what's causing this cold snap, how cold it will get, and how to stay safe? Below, we answer the most common questions about this winter's unexpected chill and what it means for you.
Why Is the US Leading a Peacekeeping Force in Gaza?
The US is taking a leading role in deploying a multinational peacekeeping force in Gaza, aiming to stabilize the region amid ongoing tensions. Many wonder what this means for the conflict, which countries are involved, and how this effort might impact regional stability. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this significant development and what it could mean for the future of Gaza and the broader Middle East.
Why Is This Winter So Extreme? Causes of Early Snow and Cold Snaps
This winter has brought unusual weather patterns, including early snowfalls and intense cold snaps across the US and Europe. Many are wondering what's driving these extreme conditions and whether they will continue. Below, we answer common questions about this winter's weather and what to expect in the coming weeks.