Consider This from NPR: Wild Weather Spreads Across the U.S.
Episode Release Date: January 7, 2025

Introduction

In the January 7, 2025 episode of NPR's Consider This, host Ari Shapiro delves into the widespread and intense weather events currently impacting various regions of the United States. From snowball fights in Washington, D.C., to destructive winds in Southern California and severe winter storms in Texas, the episode explores the immediate effects of these storms, the preparations being undertaken, and the broader implications related to climate change.

Washington, D.C.: Snowball Fights and Winter Disruptions

The episode opens in Washington, D.C., where a significant snowstorm has led to an unexpected public snowball fight. Ari Shapiro describes how hundreds of snowballs were hurled through the air on Monday, leading to the cancellation of work and school across most of the city. This unusual communal activity was partly organized by Michael Lippin, who aimed to recreate the magic of a similar event from a decade prior.

However, the storm's impact extends beyond playful activities. By late Monday morning, over 300,000 residents experienced power outages, with more than a third of these in Virginia. Transportation was heavily disrupted, with thousands of flight cancellations and over 300 vehicle crashes reported in Missouri alone. The storm set a Cincinnati, Ohio, record with more than 4 inches of snow, prompting residents like Ms. Starr to adapt by grilling dinner on her back porch amidst the snowfall.

Notable Quotes:

• Ari Shapiro [00:02]: "People who love snow have been waiting years for this moment."
• Rachel Ozier Lindley [01:07]: "I like the grill in the snow because then I'm not sweating and all irritated."

Southern California: Destructive Winds and Wildfire Risks

Transitioning to the West, Southern California is grappling with one of the most potent wind events in recent years. Jacob Margolis, a Los Angeles-based reporter, explains that the National Weather Service has classified the situation as a "particularly dangerous situation" due to wind gusts reaching up to 100 miles per hour across coastal regions from Santa Barbara to San Diego. These Santa Ana winds, while typical for the season, are exacerbated by extreme dryness, elevating the risk of wildfires.

Jacob emphasizes the severity of the fire situation: "We have not had rain for 260 plus days here. So everything's very dry. The winds also dry everything out. And when a fire does start up and you have winds this strong, they can actually throw embers a mile plus ahead of the fire front itself," making containment efforts exceedingly difficult, especially in the mountainous terrains of Southern California ([05:09] Jacob Margolis).

Notable Quotes:

• Jacob Margolis [04:33]: "Experiencing right now is one of the strongest wind events that we've seen in years."
• Jacob Margolis [05:09]: "We have not had rain for 260 plus days here. So everything's very dry."

Texas: Preparing for Severe Winter Storms

Moving to the South, Dallas-based reporter Rachel Ozier Lindley discusses the impending winter storm warning affecting north Texas, Arkansas, and northern Louisiana. Forecasts predict 3 to 6 inches of snow and sleet, a rare and disruptive event for Texas infrastructure. The psychological impact is significant, especially recalling the devastating 2021 winter freeze that led to massive power outages and over 240 fatalities.

Rachel highlights the state's improved preparedness since 2021, noting enhancements to the electric grid, including new weatherization requirements for power plants. ERCOT, which manages Texas's electric grid, is urging residents to conserve power in anticipation of increased demand. Additionally, many Texans have invested in personal generators to mitigate potential outages.

Notable Quotes:

• Rachel Ozier Lindley [05:50]: "3 to 6 inches may not seem like a big deal if you're listening from someplace like Michigan, but winter weather like this only happens a few times a year in Texas."
• Rachel Ozier Lindley [07:37]: "Texans are not leaving things to chance with these sorts of situations anymore."

Climate Change: Connections and Considerations

A critical component of the episode addresses the relationship between these extreme weather events and climate change. Rachel indicates that the current winter storm in Texas does not have a direct link to climate change, as such cold snaps are typical for the region. However, Jacob points out that while the winds themselves are normal, the increasing temperatures associated with climate change have led to drier landscapes, thereby intensifying wildfire risks during wind events.

Notable Quotes:

• Rachel Ozier Lindley [08:22]: "There's not a connection to this that I'm aware of."
• Jacob Margolis [08:40]: "The place we see climate impacts are hotter temperatures which dry out our landscapes, which of course, set the stage for really gnarly fires."

Conclusion

As Washington, D.C., grapples with snow-induced disruptions and Southern California faces potentially destructive winds, Texas braces for an uncommon winter storm, the episode underscores the diverse and widespread nature of extreme weather in the United States. While not all events are directly attributable to climate change, the interplay between normal weather patterns and shifting climate conditions highlights the complexity of preparing for and mitigating the impacts of such storms. NPR's Consider This provides listeners with a comprehensive overview of these events, their immediate effects, and the ongoing challenges they present to various communities across the nation.

Production Credits

This episode was produced by Briana Scott and Katherine Fink, edited by Rachel Waldholtz and Courtney Dorning, with additional reporting by Liz Baker and Nick Swartzel of WVXU. The executive producer was Sammy Yenigun.