Meteorology
How is the polar vortex affecting the United States?
The polar vortex is causing extreme cold conditions across the United States, pushing temperatures down to dangerous levels that extend as far south as the Mexico border. More than 87 million people across 22 states are under extreme cold advisories, with temperatures plunging significantly below normal levels. In Fort Worth, Texas, temperatures have dropped to 19 degrees, with wind chills feeling as low as minus 2 degrees, creating hazardous conditions in a region unaccustomed to such extreme cold. This unusual weather pattern is expected to be temporary, with forecasts indicating a return to milder temperatures in the 70s by next week.
Watch clip answer (00:11m)
CBS News
00:00 - 00:12
How significant was the temperature change in Fort Worth, Texas?
The temperature change in Fort Worth was remarkably drastic, dropping 40 degrees in just one day. As CBS anchor Ken Molestina reports, this sudden shift forced him to Google how to properly tie a scarf due to the unexpected cold weather conditions. The temperature plummeted to 19 degrees, affecting not just Texas but over 87 million people across the United States. This extreme weather event brought severe conditions, with wind chills reaching as low as minus 64 degrees in Montana, highlighting the significant and abrupt nature of this winter weather system.
Watch clip answer (00:15m)CBS News
00:47 - 01:02
How cold is it in Fort Worth during the polar vortex?
According to the CBS News Texas live report, Fort Worth is experiencing extreme cold with temperatures plunging to 19 degrees as a result of a polar vortex. The weather is significantly colder than usual for the area, with wind chill factors dropping as low as -2 degrees. This severe weather system is affecting not just Texas but has placed approximately 87 million people across 22 states under extreme cold advisories. Despite the current freezing conditions, the forecast indicates a dramatic shift, with temperatures potentially soaring back to the 70s by the following week.
Watch clip answer (00:10m)CBS News
00:25 - 00:36
When will the extreme cold temperatures in North Texas end?
The severe cold snap affecting North Texas is expected to last only another day or so before temperatures return to normal. The polar vortex that has plummeted temperatures to 19 degrees and created dangerous wind chills across 22 states will be short-lived. According to the report, temperatures will soon normalize and by next week, residents can expect a dramatic warming trend with temperatures rising back into the 70s. This significant weather shift will provide welcome relief to the 87 million people impacted by this rare freeze event.
Watch clip answer (00:09m)CBS News
01:42 - 01:52
How long will the extreme cold temperatures last, and what changes are expected in the coming days?
The extreme cold temperatures affecting regions like Wichita, Kansas City, and Oklahoma City are showing signs of change in the next 6-10 days. According to the Climate Prediction Center, temperatures will return to normal along the East Coast, with areas from the Dakotas down to Texas expected to be above normal. This marks a significant shift from current conditions where temperatures are running as much as 40 degrees below normal, potentially breaking records for cold highs. Meanwhile, Miami is predicted to cool down slightly. This warming trend indicates the polar vortex's grip will loosen, bringing relief to the millions currently affected by the unusual winter weather.
Watch clip answer (00:32m)
CBS News
04:38 - 05:10
How does this polar vortex impact Americans throughout the states?
The polar vortex is causing widespread disruption across the U.S., with school cancellations, work disruptions, and rising electric bills. Temperatures have plunged to extreme levels, including a feels-like temperature of -64°F in Montana, with many areas experiencing 30-40 degrees below normal temperatures for February. This cold surge is sweeping from the Dakotas all the way to the Mexico border, affecting millions of Americans simultaneously. The weather system is accompanied by a winter storm bringing heavy rain to southern states, with cities from Oklahoma to New York experiencing unusually brutal cold conditions during what meteorologists emphasize is an abnormal weather pattern for this time of year.
Watch clip answer (01:45m)CBS News
02:43 - 04:28