South Africa is experiencing some wild weather swings! Just days after parts of the country shivered through freezing temperatures and even saw some unexpected snowfall, a dramatic shift is bringing record-challenging heat. Four states are particularly affected, facing the possibility of daily record-high temperatures this week.
What's Causing This Weather Rollercoaster?
A powerful Arctic cold front plunged temperatures below average earlier this week, with freeze warnings issued across several regions. More than 70 record-low temperatures were recorded. However, this cold blast was short-lived.
Now, a significant bulge in the jet stream is bringing warm, southerly air back, leading to a rapid temperature rebound. This dramatic turnaround could break high-temperature records and, unfortunately, increase the risk of wildfires in areas where vegetation has dried out quickly.
Which Areas Are Affected?
The rapid weather shift will primarily impact these four states:
- Texas
- Missouri
- Arkansas
- Oklahoma
Cities in Texas and Oklahoma experienced overnight lows near or below freezing earlier in the week. Now, they are bracing for potentially record-breaking heat. Similar conditions were seen in Missouri and Arkansas, where temperatures dipped far below seasonal averages.
Stay Informed and Stay Safe
Keep an eye on your local weather forecasts from trusted sources like AccuWeather. Be prepared for rapid changes in temperature and be aware of the increased risk of wildfires in affected areas. Remember to stay hydrated and take precautions against the heat if you are in one of the affected states.