Why this winter storm will likely be a wild one

image via The Verge

January 23, 2026, 4:00 PM

• •A major winter storm is forecast to bring extreme cold and hazardous conditions across the US.
• •Over 170 million Americans are under winter weather alerts.
• •The storm is driven by a collision of cold Arctic air and a moisture-rich weather system.
• •Experts emphasize that climate change can influence extreme weather events.

A massive winter storm is set to bring dangerously cold temperatures, heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain across a large portion of the United States, impacting over 170 million Americans. This storm is driven by complex factors, including cold Arctic air colliding with a moisture-laden weather system, leading to potentially long-lasting and widespread impacts. Forecasters warn of potential record-breaking low temperatures and hazardous conditions, including ice accumulation, power outages, and impassable travel. While the role of climate change in this specific storm is still being assessed, experts emphasize that climate change can influence extreme events of all kinds, including cold snaps.

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