New York: The United States witnessed a tumultuous week of extreme weather. It was marked by intense blizzards and devastating wildfires. The week began with millions across the country shivering amid chilly conditions as cold air, displaced by an unstable jet stream, gripped the nation. The Arctic was warming four times faster than the global average and it has disrupted traditional weather patterns.
It has led to more frequent winter cold blasts despite overall rising temperatures. In Kansas, the snowfall exceeded annual averages, while icy conditions in Kentucky downed power lines. The National Mall in Washington saw a rare sight as an Olympian skied through the snow, news agency AP reported.
Wildfires rage across California
As the East grappled with snow, the West faced a fiery crisis. California’s Palisades Fire, driven by 100 mph Santa Ana winds, devastated parts of Los Angeles, including areas near the Getty Museum. Celebrities like Billy Crystal and Mandy Moore lost their homes and the Eaton Fire in Altadena resulted in two deaths and school closures. The drought-stricken landscape, worsened by climate change, fuelled these fires, which rapidly spread due to dry vegetation.
On Wednesday, Los Angeles’ water system faltered under the pressure of fighting the Palisades Fire, leaving firefighters struggling with dry hydrants. Despite criticisms from President-elect Donald Trump about water management, experts warned against spreading misinformation during the crisis.
By Thursday, calmer winds provided some relief, but the damage was already extensive, with estimates reaching USD 57 billion. Recovery efforts began as more fires threatened regions like the Hollywood Hills, prompting mandatory evacuations.
2024 confirmed hottest year
The week ended in an announcement on Friday: 2024 was confirmed as the hottest year in recorded history, surpassing the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius warming threshold set by the Paris climate agreement. Scientists and experts said that such extreme weather is the new normal unless immediate climate action is taken. As the nation braces for more such events, the urgency to address climate change grows ever more critical.
