Polar Vortex
How severe is the current winter weather across the United States?
The current winter weather is extremely severe, with wind chills in Montana plummeting to a dangerous -64 degrees on Tuesday. A major winter storm is affecting the southern United States, bringing snow and sleet to multiple areas and creating hazardous driving conditions that have already led to highway crashes in states like Arkansas. The widespread impact of this polar vortex has placed over 87 million people across 22 states under extreme cold advisories, with Texas experiencing temperatures as low as 19 degrees - a dramatic 40-degree drop from the previous day.
Watch clip answer (00:12m)
CBS News
00:12 - 00:25
How will Texas temperatures change next week after the current cold snap?
After experiencing extreme winter weather with temperatures plummeting to 19 degrees Fahrenheit, Texas is expected to see a dramatic weather shift next week. According to CBS News anchor Ken Molestina reporting from Fort Worth, temperatures will rebound significantly, climbing back into the 70s. This remarkable temperature swing highlights the unpredictable nature of Texas winters amid changing climate patterns. The current polar vortex and winter storm conditions affecting over 87 million people with dangerous wind chills will give way to springlike conditions, demonstrating the state's notoriously volatile weather patterns.
Watch clip answer (00:04m)CBS News
01:47 - 01:52
How significant was the temperature change in Texas during the polar vortex?
The temperature change in Texas was remarkably severe, with reporter Ken Molestina noting that it was 40 degrees warmer just the day before. This drastic drop forced him to Google how to properly tie a scarf as he wasn't prepared for such extreme conditions. The sudden change highlights the unusual nature of this polar vortex hitting Texas, where such low temperatures are rare. The reporter's experience illustrates how the 40-degree temperature swing caught many residents off guard, requiring quick adaptation to the unexpectedly frigid weather.
Watch clip answer (00:15m)CBS News
00:47 - 01:02
What unusual weather event did the news anchors experience while living in El Paso, Texas?
While living in El Paso, Texas, the news anchors experienced a rare freezing event that caused pipes to freeze throughout the desert city. This unusual cold snap was so severe that it shut down the entire city. The conversation reflects on this shared memory in the context of current extreme cold weather sweeping through Texas, where temperatures have plummeted to as low as 19 degrees, with wind chills reaching minus 64 degrees in nearby states.
Watch clip answer (00:12m)CBS News
01:55 - 02:08
What is happening with the polar vortex in the United States?
A polar vortex is expected to grip the Rockies and Northern Plains regions following severe winter storms that pummeled the eastern United States over the weekend. The harsh weather system has moved westward after causing significant damage in the East, particularly washing out roads in parts of West Virginia. This extreme weather pattern represents a continuation of dangerous winter conditions affecting different parts of the country in succession.
Watch clip answer (00:13m)
WION
01:04 - 01:18
What is the current impact of the winter storms affecting the central and eastern United States?
The winter storms ravaging the central and eastern United States have resulted in a death toll of at least 14 people. The severe weather system has brought floods, gale force winds, and dangerously cold temperatures throughout the region. According to the National Weather Service, the storm is carrying arctic air that could create record cold conditions, with wind chills expected to plummet as low as -60°F (-51°C), particularly affecting states like Montana and North Dakota. These extreme conditions pose significant life-threatening risks to residents in the affected areas.
Watch clip answer (00:30m)
WION
00:00 - 00:30