Jean MartinHeat as high as 20C past average is replaced by cold blast, causing prompt temperature swings.
Record-Breaking Temperatures
Central and northern parts of the US experienced an extraordinary heatwave in February, with numerous temperature records shattered.
Over 130 towns and cities, including major urban centers like Minneapolis, Milwaukee, St. Louis, and Detroit, recorded their highest February temperatures.
Unprecedented Warmth
Monday and Tuesday saw the peak of the heatwave, with states in the upper midwest witnessing unprecedented warmth.
Temperatures soared to 20 degrees Celsius above normal for this time of year, with cities like Springfield, Illinois, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, hitting highs of 27C and 23C, respectively.
Impact on Wildfires
The unseasonably warm weather fueled the rapid spread of wildfires, notably the Smokehouse Creek fire, which engulfed over 445,000 hectares in Texas.
Also read: Devastating wildfire engulfs Northern Texas
This wildfire, now the largest in Texas history, intensified due to the extreme heat, becoming the second-largest wildfire ever recorded in the US.
Sudden Temperature Plunge
Following the heatwave, a sharp cold front swept through the region, causing a drastic temperature drop. Kansas City experienced a remarkable transition from 23C to -1C within hours.
Similarly, Fargo, North Dakota, saw temperatures plummet from 16C to -14C, accompanied by heavy snow and chilling windchills.
European Contrast
While the US battled with extreme heat and wildfires, heavy rainfall plagued parts of France. Numerous departments were placed on alert due to flooding, leading to road closures and travel disruptions.
Bourthes in northern France experienced its fifth submergence in four months, highlighting the severity of the flooding situation.
The fluctuating weather patterns across continents underscore the growing challenges posed by climate change and its impacts on global weather systems.
