Extreme Weather Hits Across the US

Blizzards, polar vortex, heat dome, and atmospheric river all forecast simultaneously

Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:26am

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Nearly every part of the United States is facing extreme weather conditions, including a heat dome baking the Southwest, a polar vortex bringing frigid temperatures to the Midwest and East, and two major winter storms dumping heavy snow across the northern states. Meteorologists warn these extreme weather events are highly anomalous for this time of year and will likely set numerous records.

Why it matters

The simultaneous occurrence of these diverse and severe weather events across the country highlights the growing unpredictability and intensity of climate change-driven weather patterns. Experts say the rapid shifts between extreme heat, cold, and precipitation are straining infrastructure, disrupting daily life, and posing heightened risks to public health and safety.

The details

The heat dome will bring triple-digit temperatures to the Southwest as early as next week, with forecasts of 107°F in Phoenix - temperatures that typically don't arrive until May. At the same time, the polar vortex will send Arctic air plunging into the Midwest and East, with lows around 0°F in Minneapolis and 20s in Atlanta. Two major winter storms will also dump 3-4 feet of snow across the northern states, with the second storm qualifying as a 'bomb cyclone' due to its rapid intensification. High winds up to 60 mph are also forecast for parts of Texas, raising wildfire risks.

  • Early next week, a heat dome will form over the Southwest.
  • Around the same time, the polar vortex is forecast to send frigid air into the Midwest and East.
  • A winter storm on Friday will be followed by an even larger storm on Sunday into Monday, potentially dumping up to 4 feet of snow.
  • High winds up to 60 mph are expected in parts of Texas on Sunday night.

The players

Marc Chenard

Meteorologist at the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center.

Ryan Maue

Former chief scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Shane Dixon

A 40-year-old resident of Culver City, California who was out running despite the unusual March heat.

Jim Pillen

Governor of Nebraska, who declared an emergency and mobilized the National Guard to help fight wildfires.

Jeff Masters

Meteorologist with Yale Climate Connections.

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What they’re saying

“All of the country, even if you're not necessarily seeing extremes, are going to see generally changing from cold to warm, or warm to cold to warm.”

— Marc Chenard, Meteorologist, National Weather Service (whdh.com)

“I could go literally soak myself and walk out in the sun, and I'll make it home fine. If it was freezing cold, I could not do this.”

— Shane Dixon (whdh.com)

“Since we are not acclimated to this level of heat this early in the year, it will be more impactful than usual.”

— National Weather Service (whdh.com)

What’s next

The judge in Nebraska will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the National Guard to continue assisting with the wildfire response.

The takeaway

The simultaneous occurrence of extreme weather events across the country, from scorching heat in the Southwest to blizzards in the North, underscores the growing unpredictability and intensity of climate change-driven weather patterns. Experts warn these rapid shifts between extremes will continue to strain infrastructure, disrupt daily life, and pose heightened risks to public health and safety.