What Makes This New Year's Eve Cold Snap So Unusual

Freezing conditions are blanketing parts of the U.S., but other spots are warmer than usual.

It's cold. Really cold. And for much of the eastern United States, there's no relief in sight.

Some New Jersey towns have cancelled their annual polar plunges. In Massachusetts, two dead sharks washed up on beaches after experiencing "cold shock," and low temperatures continue to grip the area. (Related: "Why Is Record Cold and Epic Snow Hitting the U.S. So Early?")

President Donald Trump tweeted from Florida Thursday that maybe the East Coast would benefit from some climate change:

But why is it so cold? Perhaps more importantly, how long is it going to be so cold?

Climate and weather are not the same thing. Climate represents the overall course of weather conditions over time, while weather changes

Create your free account to continue reading

No credit card required. Unlimited access to free content.
Or get a Premium Subscription to access the best of Nat Geo - just $19
SUBSCRIBE

Read This Next

Did this mysterious human relative bury its dead?
This new birth control for cats doesn't require surgery
How the Zoot Suit Riots changed America

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet