Extreme Weather Hits U. S. : Cold Snap in Midwest, Wildfires in California

This week, the United States is experiencing some crazy weather! In the central states, it's incredibly cold, with temperatures dropping to -22 degrees Fahrenheit in the northern Midwest. Meanwhile, it's much warmer in parts of Florida and California, reaching up to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. NASA's GEOS model captured this temperature difference on January 6, showing how varied the weather can be across the country. The Midwest has been hit hard by this cold snap, with heavy snowfall in many states. Kansas even broke its snowfall records with some areas getting up to 18 inches of snow. On January 8, Winter Storm Watches and Advisories were issued for several southeastern states, with more snow expected. The National Weather Service warned people to be cautious while traveling due to icy conditions and strong winds causing whiteouts. On the other side of the country, California is battling intense wildfires fueled by strong Santa Ana winds. Four major fires in Los Angeles have already claimed two lives and destroyed over 1, 000 structures. The dry vegetation and low humidity make it easier for fires to spread, and the winds are making it tough for firefighters to control the blazes. The weather conditions are expected to stay dangerous in the coming days.