Estados Unidos y Canadá congelados por frío ártico

T13

17 Jan 202408:27

Summary

TLDRA reporter covers the extreme cold weather in the U.S. caused by a polar vortex, with temperatures dropping to -30C. He describes the effects of the cold such as freezing hair and skin, iced over cars, and road hazards. Experts say the cold snaps are more intense due to climate change. Video clips show just how cold it is. Authorities urge precautions as the winter storm continues. More cold and snow is expected into the weekend as another vortex moves in, impacting 80% of the U.S. and 120 million people.

Takeaways

😱 Frigid temperatures from an Arctic vortex are gripping much of the U.S., affecting over 120 million people.
❄️ Extreme cold is causing frozen pipes, icy roads, stalled cars, and school closures across the country.
🥶 Temperatures have dropped to -30°F (-34°C) in some areas, with wind chills making it feel even colder.
🧊 Icy conditions are hazardous, with an increased risk of slips, accidents, and frozen infrastructure.
🏠 People are being urged to stay indoors and limit time outside to avoid frostbite and hypothermia.
🚗 Cars are having trouble starting and driving safely in the extreme cold and snow.
🚒 Fire departments are dealing with an influx of calls for frozen and burst pipes.
🧤 Proper winter attire like layers, gloves, and hats are crucial for being outside.
🌡️ Warming centers are open for those without adequate housing or heating.
☃️ Heavy snow is also impacting many areas, complicating travel and closures.

Q & A

What weather phenomenon is affecting the USA and Canada?
-An Arctic vortex has brought extremely cold temperatures and heavy snowfall across large parts of the USA and Canada.
How many Americans have been affected by the cold weather?
-Around 150 million Americans across the country have been affected by the cold weather.
What are some of the effects of the extreme cold weather?
-Effects include frozen hair and eyebrows, risk of frostbite, vehicles unable to start or stop properly, and school closures.
What causes the Arctic air to move south into the USA?
-The polar vortex weakening allows Arctic air to escape and move south into parts of Europe, North America, and Asia.
How low have the temperatures gotten in parts of the USA?
-Temperatures have dropped to as low as -30°F (-34°C) in some northern U.S. cities.
How does the cold weather affect cars and driving?
-Cars struggle to start and may slide off roads. Drivers have to clear snow before driving. Accident risks increase.
What precautions are officials advising people take?
-Officials are telling people to stay indoors, wear extra layers of clothing, and take measures to avoid frostbite and hypothermia.
What has been the impact in Canada?
-Parts of Canada have seen temperatures below -40°F (-40°C) and heavy snow accumulation leading to dangerous conditions.
Are these cold spells connected to climate change?
-Yes, climate experts say global warming is causing more frequent and intense cold spells during winter in North America.
When will the cold weather subside?
-Likely not for at least a few more days, as another vortex is forecast to hit parts of the U.S. again this weekend.

Outlines

00:00

🥶 Extreme cold wave hits US and Canada

Paragraph 1 describes an extreme cold wave hitting the US and Canada, with temperatures dropping below 0°F in many areas. Millions are impacted across the country from freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. Videos show frozen hair and cars covered in snow. Dangers include slick roads and hypothermia.

05:02

😰 People struggle to deal with the cold

Paragraph 2 shows people struggling to deal with the extreme cold, having to wear multiple layers and clear snow just to go outside. Forecasts show the cold continuing, with a new vortex bringing more snow. People are advised to take precautions until the winter storm declines.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡vórtice polar

The polar vortex is a low pressure area located near the Earth's poles. It consists of cold air circulating in a counterclockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. In the video, the polar vortex brings frigid Arctic air into parts of the United States, causing extremely cold temperatures and dangerous weather conditions.

💡ola polar

A polar wave or cold wave refers to the southward movement of an Arctic airmass that brings sudden cold temperatures. In the video, a polar wave hits the United States and Canada, causing freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and hazardous conditions.

💡cambio climático

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in global or regional climate patterns, attributed to increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels. The video mentions climate change as a factor that may be causing more frequent and extreme cold snaps during winter.

💡temperaturas congelantes

Freezing temperatures are temperatures at or below 0° Celsius or 32° Fahrenheit, at which water freezes. The video describes freezing temperatures gripping large areas of the United States during the recent polar vortex event.

💡alerta

An alert refers to an official warning about a hazard or danger, meant to prompt preparations or protective actions. In the video, over 150 million Americans were under alert due to the dangerously cold temperatures.

💡precipitaciones

Precipitation refers to water released from clouds in the form of rain, freezing rain, sleet, snow, or hail. The video explains that the polar vortex brings cloud formation and precipitation in the form of heavy snowfall.

💡sensación térmica

Wind chill or the felt air temperature is the perceived decrease in air temperature due to wind. The video points out that wind chill is an important factor making temperatures feel even colder than they already are.

💡ola de frío

A cold wave or cold snap refers to a sudden drop in temperature over a short period of time. The video describes the plummeting temperatures during the polar vortex as an intense cold wave impacting the United States.

💡riesgos

Risks refer to potential dangers, threats or hazards posed by the extreme cold temperatures. As described in the video, risks include snow buildup, slippery roads, car accidents, and health dangers from prolonged exposure.

💡precauciones

Precautions refer to actions taken to reduce risks and avoid harm from the cold weather. The video advises taking precautions such as bundling up, limiting time outdoors, and postponing driving.

Highlights

A wave of arctic air has brought freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall across the United States and Canada.

Over 150 million people in the U.S. have been under winter weather alerts as temperatures plunged below zero degrees Fahrenheit in some areas.

Cars are completely covered in snow, making driving treacherous. People have to wear multiple layers to withstand the extreme cold.

The arctic air is due to the polar vortex, which brings masses of frigid air from the Arctic into lower latitudes.

Experts say these extreme cold snaps may become more frequent and intense due to climate change.

The polar vortex has brought record-breaking low temperatures across the Midwest and Eastern U.S.

25 deaths have been attributed to the cold weather in Oregon alone.

Another wave of frigid air and snow is expected to hit parts of the U.S. again this weekend.

Despite the extreme winter, global warming is still causing warmer than average summers and increasing temperatures overall.

China also evacuated tourists due to heavy snow avalanches amid their own extreme winter weather.

Climate change leads to more variable and extreme seasons - swings between frigid winters and hot summers.

The Northern Hemisphere is seeing more intense winter extremes compared to the Southern Hemisphere.

2024 is predicted to be even hotter globally than 2023, despite the frigid winter in parts of the Northern Hemisphere.

The extreme cold has gone viral on social media, with videos of frozen hair and novelty experiments.

Authorities advise taking precautions until the winter storm abates, though more cold weather is expected.