Media Struggles to Reconcile Winter Weather Extremes with Climate Change Narratives

Conflicting reports on warm Christmas and bitter cold storms leave outlets grappling with how to cover climate change impacts

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A report from wbt.com examines how media outlets like WRAL in Raleigh, North Carolina have struggled to reconcile unseasonably warm weather at Christmas with the subsequent arrival of dangerous winter storms and extreme cold. The article highlights how outlets have tried to tie both the warm and cold weather to climate change, despite scientific cautions against drawing conclusions about long-term trends from single weather events.

Why it matters

This story reflects the challenges media outlets face in accurately covering the complex and often contradictory impacts of climate change, especially when it comes to extreme weather events. It raises questions about the balance between reporting on specific weather occurrences and providing proper context about long-term climate trends.

The details

In late December 2025, WRAL in Raleigh reported on the 70-degree temperatures on Christmas Day, citing it as a "sign winter is losing its cool" and evidence of climate change. However, just weeks later the station warned of a potentially "crippling ice storm" and "extreme cold" hitting the region. This prompted accusations of climate fearmongering, with critics arguing the media is too quick to tie individual weather events to broader climate change narratives, despite scientific cautions against such direct connections.

  • On Christmas Day 2025, Raleigh experienced unseasonably warm 70-degree temperatures.
  • In January 2026, Raleigh faced a dangerous winter storm and bitter cold temperatures.
  • On January 23, 2026, WRAL warned the ice storm could lead to "widespread, long-lasting power outages" due to the "bitter cold".
  • On January 31, 2026, WRAL forecast potentially 3-6 inches of snow followed by "extreme cold".

The players

WRAL

A television news station in Raleigh, North Carolina that reported extensively on the weather extremes in the region.

Climate Central

A non-profit organization that provides climate change-related data and analysis to media outlets, which WRAL cited in its coverage.

Dr. Steven E. Koonin

Former undersecretary for science in the U.S. Department of Energy, who has criticized media coverage of climate change as "unconvincing, and at worst plainly dishonest".

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who criticized the media's climate change coverage, pointing to the cold weather as evidence that global warming is "exaggerated".

Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress

The utility companies that obtained an emergency order to operate power plants at maximum output levels to avoid blackouts during the extreme cold weather.

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What they’re saying

“We use science and technology to generate thousands of local storylines and compelling visuals that make climate change personal and show what can be done about it.”

— Shel Winkley, Meteorologist, Climate Central (WRAL)

“Climate change is reshaping the weather patterns that most often knock out power — increasing the frequency, intensity and reach of storms that strain an aging electrical grid.”

— Climate Central (WRAL)

“Record Cold Wave expected to hit 40 States. WHATEVER HAPPENED TO GLOBAL WARMING???”

— Donald Trump (Truth Social)

What’s next

Utilities in North Carolina will continue to monitor weather conditions and take necessary steps to maintain power grid reliability, while media outlets will likely face ongoing challenges in accurately covering the complex relationship between specific weather events and long-term climate trends.

The takeaway

This story highlights the difficulties media outlets face in reporting on climate change, as they try to balance coverage of specific weather occurrences with the need to provide proper context about broader climate patterns. It underscores the importance of nuanced, science-based reporting that avoids simplistic connections between individual weather events and climate change.