Record Temperatures
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 impact is the severe winter storm having across the United States?
The severe winter storm is causing widespread disruption across the United States, with the death toll reaching at least 14 people. The National Weather Service has warned about dangerously low temperatures affecting multiple regions, from the Central Plains and Eastern Seaboard to as far south as the Gulf Coast. Power infrastructure has been severely impacted, with more than 50,000 customers still without electricity in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, despite some restoration efforts. As arctic air continues to move southward, authorities are concerned about the potential for additional casualties and are emphasizing the urgent need for adequate shelter during these extreme weather conditions.
Watch clip answer (00:22m)
WION
01:58 - 02:20
How long will the extreme cold temperatures affecting millions of Americans last?
The extreme cold temperatures affecting millions of Americans are severe enough to potentially break records in areas like Wichita, Kansas City, and Oklahoma City, with temperatures 40 degrees or more below average. However, there are promising changes on the horizon. According to the weather specialist, when looking at the forecast for the next six to ten days, changes are expected that should bring relief from these frigid conditions. The current polar vortex and winter weather system won't be a permanent fixture.
Watch clip answer (00:37m)
CBS News
04:17 - 04:55
How is the polar vortex affecting middle America and the eastern United States?
The polar vortex is bringing freezing conditions with ice, cold temperatures, and snow across middle America and extending into the eastern United States. Millions of Americans from Minneapolis to Dallas are experiencing record low temperatures, with Dallas seeing temperatures as low as 19°F and wind chills making it feel like 2°F. Residents are bundling up and navigating slick, icy roads, though many are choosing to stay home altogether. The severe weather is causing school closures and raising concerns about Texas's energy grid due to unusually high demand. This significant weather event is uncharacteristic for February and is expected to continue with more cold spells predicted.
Watch clip answer (00:24m)
CBS News
00:00 - 00:25