All articles tagged with #extremecold
New Mexico is bracing for a significant snow storm and a surge of arctic air starting early Sunday morning, which is expected to bring blizzard-like conditions, particularly in the northeast, and dangerously low wind chills reaching 10 to 25 degrees below zero by early Tuesday. Residents are advised to prepare for extreme cold and potential travel disruptions due to poor visibility and snow-covered roads.
Researchers, including biological anthropologist Cara Ocobock, are studying how the human body adapts to extreme cold, uncovering physiological changes such as metabolic adjustments and the role of brown adipose tissue. These adaptations, which can be a result of both natural selection and short-term acclimatization, are becoming increasingly relevant as climate change leads to more frequent and severe winter storms, as well as unpredictable weather patterns. The research also explores the implications of these adaptations for health in modern society, where traits beneficial in extreme cold may become liabilities as climates warm. Understanding these adaptations is crucial for preparing for the health impacts of climate change and supporting populations migrating to new climates.
In Finland, amid record-breaking cold temperatures reaching as low as minus 44.3 C (-47.74°F), a tourist performed the popular cold-weather experiment of throwing boiling water into the air, which instantly turned into icy dust. Lauri Untamo, the tourist, successfully carried out the trick in Finnish Lapland on New Year's Day when the temperature was minus 30 degrees Celsius (-22°F). The region has been experiencing the coldest weather in 25 years, but visitors like Untamo have still enjoyed outdoor activities and the Northern Lights.
The Nordic countries are experiencing extreme cold weather, with thousands left without power and transportation systems disrupted due to snow and gale-force winds. Temperatures have dropped as low as minus 43.1 degrees Celsius in Finnish Lapland, and heavy snowfall has led to traffic chaos and stranded motorists. Meanwhile, heavy rains in Germany, France, and the Netherlands have caused floods, leading to evacuations and at least one death in France. The Dutch government is sending emergency pumps to assist with the flooding.
In Skane, Sweden, heavy snowfall trapped around 1,000 vehicles on the E22 road, prompting overnight rescue operations and assistance from the Swedish armed forces. Despite efforts to clear the road, continuous snowfall created challenging conditions, with some motorists stuck for over 19 hours. Authorities worked to evacuate people and provide essentials, while also advising against non-essential travel due to the severe weather conditions.
Scandinavia is experiencing extreme cold, with Sweden recording its coldest January night in 25 years at minus 43.6 C, causing widespread transportation disruptions and school closures. Meanwhile, western Europe is facing severe weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy rain, leading to flooding, power outages, and at least two deaths. The contrasting weather patterns have prompted numerous weather warnings and evacuations across affected regions.