Extreme Weather Patterns Divide the US

West sees record-breaking warmth while East remains in deep freeze

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

As a deep freeze continues to grip the Northeast and Southeast, the West is experiencing record-breaking warm temperatures. Parts of Southern California, Oregon, and Montana are expected to surpass daily high temperature records on Tuesday, while wind advisories are in place for Southern California. Meanwhile, Florida will get a brief respite from the cold before cooler temperatures return. The warm weather in the West is expected to slowly spread to the middle of the country next week.

Why it matters

The stark contrast in weather patterns across the US highlights the growing impact of climate change, with some regions experiencing extreme heat while others face intense cold. This divide could have significant implications for energy usage, agriculture, and overall quality of life for residents in the affected areas.

The details

On Tuesday, Burbank, California, is expected to hit 87 degrees, and Long Beach could reach 89 degrees. Other parts of the West, including San Diego, Portland, and Great Falls, Montana, could also surpass daily record-high temperature records. The warm weather in the West is expected to continue on Wednesday, with Los Angeles forecast to reach 89 degrees. Wind advisories are in place for parts of Southern California, with gusts up to 55 mph expected. Meanwhile, much of Florida remained under a freeze warning on Tuesday morning, and several cities throughout the Southeast set daily low temperature records on Monday.

  • On Tuesday, several cities in the West set new daily high temperature records.
  • On Wednesday, the warm weather in the West is expected to continue.
  • On Monday, several cities throughout the Southeast set daily low temperature records.

The players

Southern California

A region in the western United States experiencing record-breaking warm temperatures.

Northeast

A region in the eastern United States facing a deep freeze.

Southeast

A region in the eastern United States facing a deep freeze.

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What’s next

Meteorologists will continue to monitor the weather patterns across the US, and further updates on the extreme temperature differences and their impacts are expected in the coming days.

The takeaway

The stark contrast in weather patterns across the US highlights the growing impact of climate change, with some regions experiencing extreme heat while others face intense cold. This divide could have significant implications for energy usage, agriculture, and overall quality of life for residents in the affected areas.