Why Winter in the U.S. Is Crazy This Year, in Five Charts

This winter in the United States has been unusual, to say the least. From record-low temperatures in the Midwest to rapid snowstorms along the East Coast, weather patterns are breaking records and creating widespread disruption. Scientists, meteorologists, and climate experts have analyzed the phenomena and identified several key drivers behind the extreme conditions. Using five informative charts, this article examines the factors contributing to one of the most unpredictable winters in recent U.S. history.
1. Temperature Anomalies Across the Country
The first chart illustrates temperature deviations from the 30-year average across the continental U.S. This year, states like Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin have experienced temperatures as much as 15 degrees Fahrenheit below average. Conversely, parts of the Southwest, including Texas and Arizona, have seen milder-than-usual conditions. Experts attribute these disparities to disruptions in the jet stream, which have allowed Arctic air to plunge south while warmer air remains trapped in other regions.
Dr. Laura Thompson, a climatologist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), explains, “The jet stream is behaving erratically this year, which is why we are seeing such stark contrasts in temperature across the country. It’s a pattern that is becoming more frequent with climate change.”
2. Snowfall Extremes
A second chart tracks snowfall accumulation, highlighting areas experiencing record or near-record totals. Cities like Buffalo, New York, and Duluth, Minnesota, have seen snow totals surpassing historical averages by 50 percent. These extreme snowfalls are exacerbated by the cold air mass from the Arctic, which combines with moisture from the Great Lakes or Atlantic Ocean to produce heavy, persistent snowstorms.
3. Ice Storms and Freezing Rain
The third chart focuses on ice storms and incidents of freezing rain. Several southeastern states, including Georgia and Tennessee, have reported hazardous ice accumulation this winter. Freezing rain can cause dangerous travel conditions and widespread power outages as tree limbs snap under the weight of ice. Meteorologists note that warm, moist air riding over a layer of subfreezing air at the surface contributes to these dangerous conditions, which have become more common in recent years.
4. Record Energy Demand
Extreme cold weather has created surges in energy demand, particularly for heating. The fourth chart tracks electricity and natural gas consumption across the U.S., showing spikes during periods of deep freeze. In some states, utilities have issued conservation warnings to prevent blackouts. Energy experts point out that aging infrastructure struggles to keep up with the intense demand during extreme cold spells, highlighting the intersection between weather events and energy security.
5. Economic Impact
The final chart examines the economic consequences of extreme winter weather. From transportation delays to increased heating costs and storm-related damage, estimates suggest that this winter could cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars. Retailers, delivery services, and public transportation systems face significant disruptions, while insurance companies are already processing claims for weather-related damage.
Factors Behind the Extremes
Several scientific explanations help make sense of this unusual winter. The weakening of the polar vortex—a ring of strong winds around the Arctic—has allowed frigid air to spill into mid-latitude regions. At the same time, ocean surface temperatures, influenced by phenomena like La Niña, have affected the positioning of high- and low-pressure systems across North America. These interactions produce more frequent and intense snowstorms, ice events, and rapid temperature swings.
Climate change also plays a subtle but important role. While no single storm can be attributed directly to global warming, the warming Arctic has contributed to destabilizing the jet stream, creating patterns that amplify cold air outbreaks in some regions while leaving others unusually warm. Experts warn that these types of extremes are likely to become more common in coming years.
Preparing for the Unexpected
Residents are advised to stay informed about weather conditions, stock up on emergency supplies, and prepare for potential disruptions to travel, power, and heating. Meteorologists continue to monitor patterns closely, issuing forecasts that reflect the volatility of this winter season.
Ultimately, the U.S. is experiencing a winter unlike many in living memory. The combination of Arctic air surges, jet stream anomalies, ice storms, and heavy snowfall creates challenges for communities, utilities, and businesses alike. As climate patterns continue to shift, understanding these extreme events—and preparing for them—will be critical in safeguarding lives and infrastructure.
By analyzing data and observing trends through charts, it becomes clear that this winter is not just “cold” or “snowy” but part of a broader pattern of increasingly unpredictable and severe weather events in the United States.