1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:01,560 Welcome back to Meteorology Matters. 2 00:00:01,560 --> 00:00:03,240 I'm your host and boy oh boy, 3 00:00:03,240 --> 00:00:05,560 do we have a wild one to unpack today. 4 00:00:05,560 --> 00:00:07,560 I think wild is an understatement. 5 00:00:07,560 --> 00:00:09,720 Yeah, you're probably right about that. 6 00:00:09,720 --> 00:00:12,760 We're talking about the absolutely crazy weather 7 00:00:12,760 --> 00:00:16,640 that just slammed the Gulf Coast and the South. 8 00:00:16,640 --> 00:00:19,320 This January was one for the record books, that's for sure. 9 00:00:19,320 --> 00:00:20,240 You got that right. 10 00:00:20,240 --> 00:00:22,720 We're talking snow folks and a lot of it 11 00:00:22,720 --> 00:00:25,560 in places that rarely even see a flurry, 12 00:00:25,560 --> 00:00:28,040 let alone accumulations measured in inches. 13 00:00:28,040 --> 00:00:29,720 It was a sight to see for sure. 14 00:00:29,720 --> 00:00:31,800 It really was, imagine this, 15 00:00:31,800 --> 00:00:34,280 snow covered beaches in Florida, 16 00:00:34,280 --> 00:00:36,680 snowball fights breaking out on Bourbon Street 17 00:00:36,680 --> 00:00:38,600 in New Orleans, it's the kind of stuff 18 00:00:38,600 --> 00:00:41,480 that makes even us weather folks do a double take. 19 00:00:41,480 --> 00:00:43,320 I know, I certainly did. 20 00:00:43,320 --> 00:00:46,280 So to help us break down this meteorological madness, 21 00:00:46,280 --> 00:00:48,000 I've got our expert right here with me. 22 00:00:48,000 --> 00:00:48,880 Oh, he's glad to be here. 23 00:00:48,880 --> 00:00:51,320 And yeah, madness is a pretty good word for it. 24 00:00:51,320 --> 00:00:53,960 This is an event we'll be talking about for years to come. 25 00:00:53,960 --> 00:00:56,000 I think you're right about that. 26 00:00:56,000 --> 00:00:58,080 So let's start with the most jaw-dropping part 27 00:00:58,080 --> 00:00:59,000 of this whole thing. 28 00:00:59,000 --> 00:01:01,400 The sheer amount of snow that fell in places 29 00:01:01,400 --> 00:01:03,080 that, well, just don't get snow. 30 00:01:03,080 --> 00:01:05,240 I mean, Florida, the sunshine state, 31 00:01:05,240 --> 00:01:07,000 buried under a blanket of white, 32 00:01:07,000 --> 00:01:10,000 that's gotta be some kind of meteorological miracle, right? 33 00:01:10,000 --> 00:01:12,040 It's definitely not your typical Florida weather, 34 00:01:12,040 --> 00:01:13,080 that's for sure. 35 00:01:13,080 --> 00:01:16,760 We're talking about snowfall totals that are, well, 36 00:01:16,760 --> 00:01:18,240 unprecedented for the region. 37 00:01:18,240 --> 00:01:20,560 For instance, take a look at Milton, Florida. 38 00:01:20,560 --> 00:01:22,840 Okay, Milton, Florida, what happened there? 39 00:01:22,840 --> 00:01:26,400 They recorded a whopping 9.8 inches of snow. 40 00:01:26,400 --> 00:01:29,440 Wait, hold on, 9.8 inches in Florida. 41 00:01:29,440 --> 00:01:30,280 You heard that right. 42 00:01:30,280 --> 00:01:31,480 If that number's confirmed, 43 00:01:31,480 --> 00:01:34,360 it would absolutely shatter the previous state record. 44 00:01:34,360 --> 00:01:36,480 Then just to remind folks, what was that record? 45 00:01:36,480 --> 00:01:40,160 A measly four inches set way back in 1954, 46 00:01:40,160 --> 00:01:42,280 and don't even get me started on Pensacola. 47 00:01:42,280 --> 00:01:43,800 Oh, what happened in Pensacola? 48 00:01:43,800 --> 00:01:45,360 Almost nine inches there. 49 00:01:45,360 --> 00:01:47,560 Obliterated their previous record. 50 00:01:47,560 --> 00:01:49,040 It's unbelievable. 51 00:01:49,040 --> 00:01:50,280 It really is. 52 00:01:50,280 --> 00:01:51,720 It's one thing to talk about these numbers, 53 00:01:51,720 --> 00:01:54,840 but seeing the pictures, that's when it really hits you. 54 00:01:54,840 --> 00:01:56,920 Palm trees covered in snow, 55 00:01:56,920 --> 00:01:58,600 folks bundled up in winter gear, 56 00:01:58,600 --> 00:02:00,280 strolling down the beach. 57 00:02:00,280 --> 00:02:02,920 It's like someone flipped the script on reality, you know? 58 00:02:02,920 --> 00:02:05,160 You know it's bad when even the meteorologists 59 00:02:05,160 --> 00:02:07,640 are speechless, and that's exactly what happens. 60 00:02:07,640 --> 00:02:08,960 Speechless meteorologists. 61 00:02:08,960 --> 00:02:11,200 Speechless, and it's not hard to see why. 62 00:02:11,200 --> 00:02:13,680 We're talking about a state where most major cities, 63 00:02:13,680 --> 00:02:17,960 they've never, not once, recorded a single snowflake 64 00:02:17,960 --> 00:02:20,000 of measurable snowfall. 65 00:02:20,000 --> 00:02:22,360 And I imagine places like the Keys, 66 00:02:22,360 --> 00:02:24,920 well they haven't seen snow since what Pawnstall-Leone 67 00:02:24,920 --> 00:02:25,760 was wandering around. 68 00:02:25,760 --> 00:02:26,720 You're probably right. 69 00:02:26,720 --> 00:02:29,840 This whole event is just off the charts, totally bonkers. 70 00:02:29,840 --> 00:02:33,120 It shows you just how weird, how unusual, and powerful 71 00:02:33,120 --> 00:02:35,120 this particular storm was. 72 00:02:35,120 --> 00:02:37,800 So, all right, let's get down to brass tacks here. 73 00:02:37,800 --> 00:02:40,840 What in the world caused this meteorological mayhem? 74 00:02:40,840 --> 00:02:43,560 Was it just a random fluke of nature, 75 00:02:43,560 --> 00:02:46,600 or is there a deeper explanation hiding 76 00:02:46,600 --> 00:02:48,400 behind this blizzard in paradise? 77 00:02:48,400 --> 00:02:50,800 Well, it's definitely not just a fluke. 78 00:02:50,800 --> 00:02:54,760 To get this much snow, this far south, on the Gulf Coast, 79 00:02:54,760 --> 00:02:58,280 you need a very, very specific and very rare set 80 00:02:58,280 --> 00:02:59,200 of circumstances. 81 00:02:59,200 --> 00:03:01,360 Things have to line up just right. 82 00:03:01,360 --> 00:03:02,920 So, walk us through it. 83 00:03:02,920 --> 00:03:04,760 What were the key ingredients, the things 84 00:03:04,760 --> 00:03:06,800 that had to come together in just the right moment, 85 00:03:06,800 --> 00:03:10,880 to brew up this winter wallop in a place where winter usually 86 00:03:10,880 --> 00:03:13,080 means maybe a light jacket and a scarf 87 00:03:13,080 --> 00:03:14,280 if you're really feeling chilly? 88 00:03:14,280 --> 00:03:15,120 Okay, picture this. 89 00:03:15,120 --> 00:03:16,920 You've got this strong polar vortex. 90 00:03:16,920 --> 00:03:19,600 You know that swirling mass of citricold arctic air. 91 00:03:19,600 --> 00:03:20,440 Right. 92 00:03:20,440 --> 00:03:23,920 Imagine it extending way, way further south than usual, 93 00:03:23,920 --> 00:03:26,920 like all the way down towards eastern North America. 94 00:03:26,920 --> 00:03:27,360 Oh, wow. 95 00:03:27,360 --> 00:03:29,080 And then at the same time, on the other side 96 00:03:29,080 --> 00:03:31,680 of the continent, you've got this massive high-pressure 97 00:03:31,680 --> 00:03:34,120 ridge just sitting over the West Coast, 98 00:03:34,120 --> 00:03:36,320 stretching all the way up to Alaska. 99 00:03:36,320 --> 00:03:37,760 A real atmospheric wall. 100 00:03:37,760 --> 00:03:38,640 Exactly. 101 00:03:38,640 --> 00:03:41,280 This combo, this unusual setup, it basically 102 00:03:41,280 --> 00:03:43,720 created this pipeline in the atmosphere, 103 00:03:43,720 --> 00:03:46,640 a direct route for all that bone-chilling arctic air 104 00:03:46,640 --> 00:03:50,280 to flow straight south, right into the unsuspecting Gulf Coast. 105 00:03:50,280 --> 00:03:54,560 Ah, so that explains the deep freeze that gripped the region. 106 00:03:54,560 --> 00:03:56,240 But what about the snow itself? 107 00:03:56,240 --> 00:03:59,320 How do we go from a cold snap to a full-blown blizzard, 108 00:03:59,320 --> 00:04:00,440 especially in Florida? 109 00:04:00,440 --> 00:04:01,440 Right. 110 00:04:01,440 --> 00:04:05,800 So right as this massive wave of arctic air was settling in, 111 00:04:05,800 --> 00:04:07,400 we get this, well, I guess you could 112 00:04:07,400 --> 00:04:10,680 call it a little troublemaker, a smaller disturbance 113 00:04:10,680 --> 00:04:12,640 decides to crash the party. 114 00:04:12,640 --> 00:04:13,480 Oh, yeah. 115 00:04:13,480 --> 00:04:16,640 It moves right over that Alaskan ridge and boom. 116 00:04:16,640 --> 00:04:19,600 It forces the air to rise even faster, cooling it down 117 00:04:19,600 --> 00:04:20,960 even more. 118 00:04:20,960 --> 00:04:22,960 And what happens when you cool moisture? 119 00:04:22,960 --> 00:04:25,200 Condensation, clouds. 120 00:04:25,200 --> 00:04:26,000 Bingo. 121 00:04:26,000 --> 00:04:29,080 And there you have it, precipitation over the Gulf Coast. 122 00:04:29,080 --> 00:04:30,560 Except this wasn't rain. 123 00:04:30,560 --> 00:04:33,080 Yep, snow, lots and lots of snow. 124 00:04:33,080 --> 00:04:35,680 So it was this combination of the super chilled air, 125 00:04:35,680 --> 00:04:38,760 thanks to the polar vortex, and this rogue disturbance that 126 00:04:38,760 --> 00:04:40,200 really kicked things into overdrive. 127 00:04:40,200 --> 00:04:40,720 Got it. 128 00:04:40,720 --> 00:04:42,880 One two punch, right to the Gulf Coast. 129 00:04:42,880 --> 00:04:44,400 But there's one more ingredient we 130 00:04:44,400 --> 00:04:46,920 need to add to the mix here, and it might surprise you. 131 00:04:46,920 --> 00:04:48,080 Well, lay it on me. 132 00:04:48,080 --> 00:04:49,000 The Gulf of Mexico. 133 00:04:49,000 --> 00:04:49,960 The Gulf of Mexico. 134 00:04:49,960 --> 00:04:50,440 Yeah. 135 00:04:50,440 --> 00:04:53,400 But isn't that known for its warm tropical waters? 136 00:04:53,400 --> 00:04:55,920 How could that possibly contribute to a snowstorm? 137 00:04:55,920 --> 00:04:59,040 And that, my friend, is where things get really interesting. 138 00:04:59,040 --> 00:05:00,240 I'm all ears. 139 00:05:00,240 --> 00:05:02,680 You see, the Gulf of Mexico, in January, 140 00:05:02,680 --> 00:05:04,800 it was running unusually warm. 141 00:05:04,800 --> 00:05:07,080 I'm talking several degrees above average. 142 00:05:07,080 --> 00:05:10,960 That extra warmth, it pumped a ton of moisture into the air, 143 00:05:10,960 --> 00:05:13,600 and all that moisture, it got sucked right 144 00:05:13,600 --> 00:05:15,400 into our developing storm system. 145 00:05:15,400 --> 00:05:18,320 So wait, you're telling me the warm, moist air from the Gulf 146 00:05:18,320 --> 00:05:20,200 actually helped fuel the snowstorm? 147 00:05:20,200 --> 00:05:21,400 Exactly. 148 00:05:21,400 --> 00:05:23,960 It's a bit counterintuitive, isn't it? 149 00:05:23,960 --> 00:05:24,960 But it's true. 150 00:05:24,960 --> 00:05:27,800 The warm Gulf waters actually played a crucial role 151 00:05:27,800 --> 00:05:30,280 in generating those massive snowfall totals. 152 00:05:30,280 --> 00:05:32,120 It's like this crazy mix of opposites, 153 00:05:32,120 --> 00:05:35,040 extreme cold and unusual warmth coming together 154 00:05:35,040 --> 00:05:37,960 to create, well, meteorological chaos. 155 00:05:37,960 --> 00:05:38,760 You said it. 156 00:05:38,760 --> 00:05:40,800 It just shows you how interconnected everything 157 00:05:40,800 --> 00:05:41,960 is in our atmosphere. 158 00:05:41,960 --> 00:05:43,720 You never know what's going to happen when different weather 159 00:05:43,720 --> 00:05:45,040 patterns collide. 160 00:05:45,040 --> 00:05:46,360 And speaking of interconnectedness, 161 00:05:46,360 --> 00:05:48,800 don't forget to follow me on Instagram at meteorologist 162 00:05:48,800 --> 00:05:51,840 on TikTok at TV meteorologist and subscribe to my YouTube 163 00:05:51,840 --> 00:05:54,120 channel at Rob Jones Hurricane, where you can also 164 00:05:54,120 --> 00:05:56,240 find the Meteorology Matters podcast. 165 00:05:56,240 --> 00:05:56,600 You know what? 166 00:05:56,600 --> 00:05:57,400 That's a great point. 167 00:05:57,400 --> 00:05:58,960 I'm always telling people how important it 168 00:05:58,960 --> 00:06:01,640 is to stay up to date on the latest weather info. 169 00:06:01,640 --> 00:06:04,360 And following you on social media is a fantastic way 170 00:06:04,360 --> 00:06:05,240 to do that. 171 00:06:05,240 --> 00:06:08,680 But getting back to this crazy blend of warm and cold 172 00:06:08,680 --> 00:06:10,640 that fueled this storm, this whole thing 173 00:06:10,640 --> 00:06:12,520 happened during a La Nina year, right? 174 00:06:12,520 --> 00:06:13,320 That is correct. 175 00:06:13,320 --> 00:06:16,000 And La Nina, well, isn't that typically associated 176 00:06:16,000 --> 00:06:18,280 with the drier, milder winters? 177 00:06:18,280 --> 00:06:21,680 Did that play any role in this unexpected snowstorm? 178 00:06:21,680 --> 00:06:22,880 That's a great question. 179 00:06:22,880 --> 00:06:25,840 While we can't draw a direct line between La Nina 180 00:06:25,840 --> 00:06:29,360 and this specific snowstorm, the timing is certainly, 181 00:06:29,360 --> 00:06:31,080 let's just say, interesting. 182 00:06:31,080 --> 00:06:32,160 OK, I'm intrigued. 183 00:06:32,160 --> 00:06:32,960 Tell me more. 184 00:06:32,960 --> 00:06:34,720 Well, by January and a La Nina winter, 185 00:06:34,720 --> 00:06:36,560 you typically see things drying out, 186 00:06:36,560 --> 00:06:39,920 temperatures moderating a bit, especially along the Gulf Coast. 187 00:06:39,920 --> 00:06:43,520 And yet, here we are talking about record breaking snow 188 00:06:43,520 --> 00:06:44,440 in Florida. 189 00:06:44,440 --> 00:06:46,960 So La Nina might not be the culprit, 190 00:06:46,960 --> 00:06:49,600 but it certainly throws a wrench in the usual expectations 191 00:06:49,600 --> 00:06:50,840 for a La Nina winter. 192 00:06:50,840 --> 00:06:51,480 It does. 193 00:06:51,480 --> 00:06:54,040 This whole event really shows how much variability there 194 00:06:54,040 --> 00:06:55,960 can be in weather patterns, even when you think you've 195 00:06:55,960 --> 00:06:57,600 got to handle on the bigger picture. 196 00:06:57,600 --> 00:06:58,600 Absolutely. 197 00:06:58,600 --> 00:07:00,960 So we've got this unusual La Nina situation. 198 00:07:00,960 --> 00:07:04,440 We've got warm gulf waters fueling the snowstorm 199 00:07:04,440 --> 00:07:05,640 instead of fighting it. 200 00:07:05,640 --> 00:07:08,600 And we've got those mind blowing images of snow colliding 201 00:07:08,600 --> 00:07:10,840 with the warm gulf waters in Louisiana, 202 00:07:10,840 --> 00:07:13,080 snowball fights on Bourbon Street, 203 00:07:13,080 --> 00:07:15,000 people skiing in New Orleans. 204 00:07:15,000 --> 00:07:17,920 It's like something out of a dream or maybe a fever dream. 205 00:07:17,920 --> 00:07:20,200 A meteorological fever dream, that's for sure. 206 00:07:20,200 --> 00:07:22,280 And all those incredible scenes, it 207 00:07:22,280 --> 00:07:26,200 was that warm gulf, despite its role in fueling the storm, 208 00:07:26,200 --> 00:07:27,880 that ultimately made them possible. 209 00:07:27,880 --> 00:07:28,480 That's right. 210 00:07:28,480 --> 00:07:32,240 Even though the warm gulf waters help generate all that snow, 211 00:07:32,240 --> 00:07:34,080 they just couldn't overcome the sheer force 212 00:07:34,080 --> 00:07:35,120 of that arctic blast. 213 00:07:35,120 --> 00:07:36,040 Nope, they couldn't. 214 00:07:36,040 --> 00:07:38,280 Mother nature, she's got a few tricks up her sleeve, 215 00:07:38,280 --> 00:07:39,160 that's for sure. 216 00:07:39,160 --> 00:07:42,440 Speaking of mother nature, this whole thing begs the question, 217 00:07:42,440 --> 00:07:47,000 does this crazy snowstorm, in a place famous for its warmth, 218 00:07:47,000 --> 00:07:49,560 does it tell us anything about climate change? 219 00:07:49,560 --> 00:07:52,160 Is this a sign of things to come, a glimpse 220 00:07:52,160 --> 00:07:54,840 into a future where the unexpected becomes the norm? 221 00:07:54,840 --> 00:07:57,480 Ah, now that's the million dollar question, isn't it? 222 00:07:57,480 --> 00:08:00,040 And it's one we'll definitely be exploring in more depth 223 00:08:00,040 --> 00:08:02,560 as we continue our meteorological deep dive. 224 00:08:02,560 --> 00:08:03,720 So stay tuned. 225 00:08:03,720 --> 00:08:05,600 We'll be right back after a quick break. 226 00:08:08,440 --> 00:08:11,320 Welcome back to Meteorology Matters. 227 00:08:11,320 --> 00:08:12,760 You know, before the break, we were talking 228 00:08:12,760 --> 00:08:16,360 about the Gulf of Mexico and its role in this whole storm. 229 00:08:16,360 --> 00:08:17,800 And I still can't get over the fact 230 00:08:17,800 --> 00:08:20,600 that warm water actually helped create all that snow. 231 00:08:20,600 --> 00:08:22,120 Yeah, it's a real headscratcher, isn't it? 232 00:08:22,120 --> 00:08:22,520 Yeah. 233 00:08:22,520 --> 00:08:24,440 You'd think that warm gulf would have put up 234 00:08:24,440 --> 00:08:27,240 a bit more of a fight, you know, tried to push back 235 00:08:27,240 --> 00:08:28,080 against the cold a little. 236 00:08:28,080 --> 00:08:29,440 You would, wouldn't you? 237 00:08:29,440 --> 00:08:31,000 But sometimes, mother nature just 238 00:08:31,000 --> 00:08:32,680 likes to throw us a curveball. 239 00:08:32,680 --> 00:08:35,840 In this case, the atmosphere had a totally different plan. 240 00:08:35,840 --> 00:08:38,360 So I guess what I'm still not getting is, 241 00:08:38,360 --> 00:08:42,520 how did those warm gulf waters actually end up fueling the snow? 242 00:08:42,520 --> 00:08:43,920 It just doesn't seem to make sense. 243 00:08:43,920 --> 00:08:44,800 So think of it this way. 244 00:08:44,800 --> 00:08:46,680 Those unusually warm waters, they 245 00:08:46,680 --> 00:08:50,160 were like a giant humidifier, just pumping tons and tons 246 00:08:50,160 --> 00:08:51,800 of water vapor up into the air. 247 00:08:51,800 --> 00:08:55,160 So you've got this super moist air mass just hanging out 248 00:08:55,160 --> 00:08:56,000 over the gulf. 249 00:08:56,000 --> 00:09:00,840 Now along comes this massive blast of frigid Arctic air. 250 00:09:00,840 --> 00:09:05,480 And when that dry, cold air slams into all that warm, moist air 251 00:09:05,480 --> 00:09:07,320 from the gulf, well, let's just say 252 00:09:07,320 --> 00:09:08,760 it's not a happy meeting. 253 00:09:08,760 --> 00:09:10,240 Like mixing oil and water. 254 00:09:10,240 --> 00:09:10,960 Exactly. 255 00:09:10,960 --> 00:09:13,800 It's like throwing gasoline on a fire, metaphorically speaking, 256 00:09:13,800 --> 00:09:14,280 of course. 257 00:09:14,280 --> 00:09:14,720 Oh, I see. 258 00:09:14,720 --> 00:09:18,160 So it's that clash, that collision of air masses 259 00:09:18,160 --> 00:09:20,400 that really ramped up the snowfall, 260 00:09:20,400 --> 00:09:22,520 the warm, moist air from the gulf. 261 00:09:22,520 --> 00:09:24,880 It was like the fuel that kept the snow machine running. 262 00:09:24,880 --> 00:09:25,720 You got it. 263 00:09:25,720 --> 00:09:27,680 It's a reminder that even in a snowstorm, 264 00:09:27,680 --> 00:09:30,440 you can't underestimate the role of warmth. 265 00:09:30,440 --> 00:09:32,280 It might seem counterintuitive, but it's 266 00:09:32,280 --> 00:09:33,680 a key piece of the puzzle. 267 00:09:33,680 --> 00:09:34,720 It really is. 268 00:09:34,720 --> 00:09:37,720 This whole event just highlights how complex, 269 00:09:37,720 --> 00:09:40,040 how interconnected our weather systems really are. 270 00:09:40,040 --> 00:09:42,240 Everything plays a part, even things 271 00:09:42,240 --> 00:09:43,600 that seem like they shouldn't. 272 00:09:43,600 --> 00:09:44,520 It's true. 273 00:09:44,520 --> 00:09:46,600 This storm, it was a perfect example 274 00:09:46,600 --> 00:09:49,560 of how all the seemingly random factors, things happening 275 00:09:49,560 --> 00:09:51,560 thousands of miles apart, can come together 276 00:09:51,560 --> 00:09:53,960 in just the right way to create something totally 277 00:09:53,960 --> 00:09:55,960 extraordinary, totally unexpected. 278 00:09:55,960 --> 00:09:59,520 Speaking of extraordinary, let's shift gears a bit 279 00:09:59,520 --> 00:10:03,000 and talk about the impact this storm had, especially 280 00:10:03,000 --> 00:10:04,120 on Florida. 281 00:10:04,120 --> 00:10:06,560 Those snowfall totals were mind-boggling. 282 00:10:06,560 --> 00:10:09,160 I mean, 9.8 inches near Milton. 283 00:10:09,160 --> 00:10:11,480 I've seen places get less snow in a whole winter. 284 00:10:11,480 --> 00:10:12,600 I know, right? 285 00:10:12,600 --> 00:10:14,680 It's just hard to wrap your head around that much snow 286 00:10:14,680 --> 00:10:16,800 falling in a place that's practically synonymous 287 00:10:16,800 --> 00:10:18,640 with sunshine and beaches. 288 00:10:18,640 --> 00:10:22,600 And remember, that 9.8 inches in Milton, if it's confirmed, 289 00:10:22,600 --> 00:10:25,040 it'll be more than double the previous state record. 290 00:10:25,040 --> 00:10:25,920 More than double. 291 00:10:25,920 --> 00:10:27,160 Wow. 292 00:10:27,160 --> 00:10:29,600 That really shows just how intense, how powerful 293 00:10:29,600 --> 00:10:30,640 this storm was. 294 00:10:30,640 --> 00:10:31,640 It really does. 295 00:10:31,640 --> 00:10:33,800 And keep in mind, we're talking about Florida here, 296 00:10:33,800 --> 00:10:36,120 a state where most big cities, they've never even 297 00:10:36,120 --> 00:10:37,960 seen a dusting of snow. 298 00:10:37,960 --> 00:10:40,160 It makes you wonder what folks down there were thinking, 299 00:10:40,160 --> 00:10:43,160 waking up to a winter wonderland outside their windows. 300 00:10:43,160 --> 00:10:45,360 I bet there were a lot of surprised faces that morning. 301 00:10:45,360 --> 00:10:48,240 Can you imagine stepping outside your door 302 00:10:48,240 --> 00:10:51,280 and seeing snow blanketing your palm trees? 303 00:10:51,280 --> 00:10:53,040 Like something out of a holiday movie, 304 00:10:53,040 --> 00:10:56,080 but not the kind you'd expect to see in Florida. 305 00:10:56,080 --> 00:10:57,560 It's almost like Mother Nature decided 306 00:10:57,560 --> 00:10:59,120 to play a little joke, you know? 307 00:10:59,120 --> 00:11:01,160 Switch things up just to see what would happen. 308 00:11:01,160 --> 00:11:02,680 Maybe she did. 309 00:11:02,680 --> 00:11:05,200 But while Florida might be getting all the attention, 310 00:11:05,200 --> 00:11:08,320 let's not forget about Louisiana, another state that's 311 00:11:08,320 --> 00:11:10,440 definitely not known for its winter weather. 312 00:11:10,440 --> 00:11:11,320 That's right. 313 00:11:11,320 --> 00:11:13,480 New Orleans, the big easy. 314 00:11:13,480 --> 00:11:16,640 A city that's practically built on good times and warm weather, 315 00:11:16,640 --> 00:11:19,640 suddenly transformed into a scene from a snow globe. 316 00:11:19,640 --> 00:11:20,680 It's true. 317 00:11:20,680 --> 00:11:23,840 New Orleans, a city that conjures up images of Mardi Gras 318 00:11:23,840 --> 00:11:27,880 parades and jazz music, suddenly got a taste of a true winter. 319 00:11:27,880 --> 00:11:29,680 I saw some photos online. 320 00:11:29,680 --> 00:11:32,520 Snow covered balconies overlooking Bourbon Street. 321 00:11:32,520 --> 00:11:35,280 People building snowmen in Jackson Square. 322 00:11:35,280 --> 00:11:37,680 It's just hard to picture those images and think 323 00:11:37,680 --> 00:11:39,000 New Orleans at the same time. 324 00:11:39,000 --> 00:11:40,400 Yeah, it's a real contrast. 325 00:11:40,400 --> 00:11:42,840 But it just goes to show this storm system, 326 00:11:42,840 --> 00:11:44,240 it didn't discriminate. 327 00:11:44,240 --> 00:11:47,240 Even the heart of Louisiana, a place where snow is about 328 00:11:47,240 --> 00:11:49,960 as rare as a quiet night on Bourbon Street, 329 00:11:49,960 --> 00:11:52,680 even it couldn't escape the icy grip of this storm. 330 00:11:52,680 --> 00:11:54,960 And speaking of snow totals, I bet New Orleans 331 00:11:54,960 --> 00:11:56,320 got hit pretty hard too, didn't it? 332 00:11:56,320 --> 00:11:57,240 Oh, absolutely. 333 00:11:57,240 --> 00:11:59,920 The city recorded eight inches of snow at the airport. 334 00:11:59,920 --> 00:12:01,080 Eight inches. 335 00:12:01,080 --> 00:12:02,120 That's got to be a record, right? 336 00:12:02,120 --> 00:12:03,480 I bet it is. 337 00:12:03,480 --> 00:12:06,960 They shattered their previous daily record of 2.7 inches. 338 00:12:06,960 --> 00:12:08,680 More than triple the old record. 339 00:12:08,680 --> 00:12:09,920 Wow. 340 00:12:09,920 --> 00:12:12,520 This storm was a record breaker everywhere it went. 341 00:12:12,520 --> 00:12:13,360 It really was. 342 00:12:13,360 --> 00:12:15,160 It was a truly historic event that 343 00:12:15,160 --> 00:12:18,320 left its mark on weather records all across the Gulf Coast. 344 00:12:18,320 --> 00:12:21,440 And let's not forget, it wasn't just Florida and Louisiana 345 00:12:21,440 --> 00:12:22,640 that got hit. 346 00:12:22,640 --> 00:12:25,080 Other parts of the Gulf Coast felt the chill too, right? 347 00:12:25,080 --> 00:12:26,000 Oh, yeah, absolutely. 348 00:12:26,000 --> 00:12:27,960 Mobile Alabama, for example, they 349 00:12:27,960 --> 00:12:31,280 got slammed with 7.5 inches of snow. 350 00:12:31,280 --> 00:12:32,440 7.5 inches. 351 00:12:32,440 --> 00:12:34,520 That's got to be up there with their all-time record. 352 00:12:34,520 --> 00:12:35,360 It is. 353 00:12:35,360 --> 00:12:38,440 It smashed their one-day snowfall record, a record 354 00:12:38,440 --> 00:12:40,800 that it stood since 1881. 355 00:12:40,800 --> 00:12:42,880 That's almost 150 years. 356 00:12:42,880 --> 00:12:45,080 So this wasn't just some localized event. 357 00:12:45,080 --> 00:12:48,200 It was a widespread, massive storm that 358 00:12:48,200 --> 00:12:50,880 impacted a huge chunk of the Gulf Coast, 359 00:12:50,880 --> 00:12:52,840 rewriting weather history along the way. 360 00:12:52,840 --> 00:12:53,320 You got it. 361 00:12:53,320 --> 00:12:55,440 It was one for the history books, for sure. 362 00:12:55,440 --> 00:12:57,280 Real once in a generation event. 363 00:12:57,280 --> 00:12:58,440 You know what's crazy? 364 00:12:58,440 --> 00:13:00,400 New Orleans got more snow in a single day 365 00:13:00,400 --> 00:13:02,640 than New York City and Anchorage have seen combined 366 00:13:02,640 --> 00:13:03,640 in recent months. 367 00:13:03,640 --> 00:13:05,160 It's crazy, isn't it? 368 00:13:05,160 --> 00:13:08,480 A southern city famous for its heat and humidity out 369 00:13:08,480 --> 00:13:10,520 snowing two cities that are practically known 370 00:13:10,520 --> 00:13:12,280 for their winter weather. 371 00:13:12,280 --> 00:13:16,960 It just goes to show how unusual, how truly off the charts 372 00:13:16,960 --> 00:13:18,400 this event really was. 373 00:13:18,400 --> 00:13:21,680 We're talking record-breaking snow, blizzard warnings, 374 00:13:21,680 --> 00:13:24,760 snowfall totals that rival some of the snowiest places 375 00:13:24,760 --> 00:13:25,560 in the country. 376 00:13:25,560 --> 00:13:27,760 This was a historic event, wouldn't you say? 377 00:13:27,760 --> 00:13:28,560 Absolutely. 378 00:13:28,560 --> 00:13:29,280 No doubt about it. 379 00:13:29,280 --> 00:13:32,240 It's a storm people will be talking about for years to come, 380 00:13:32,240 --> 00:13:34,520 a real reminder of Mother Nature's power, 381 00:13:34,520 --> 00:13:36,320 and how unpredictable she can be. 382 00:13:36,320 --> 00:13:37,520 Well said. 383 00:13:37,520 --> 00:13:39,880 So here we are, amidst all the awe and what 384 00:13:39,880 --> 00:13:41,520 are this incredible snowstorm. 385 00:13:41,520 --> 00:13:45,200 And there's this one big question that just keeps popping up. 386 00:13:45,200 --> 00:13:48,520 Could this, this unexpected blizzard in the Sunshine State, 387 00:13:48,520 --> 00:13:50,560 could it be a glimpse into a future that's 388 00:13:50,560 --> 00:13:52,560 being shaped by climate change? 389 00:13:52,560 --> 00:13:56,040 Is this extreme weather in a place that's known for its warmth? 390 00:13:56,040 --> 00:13:57,720 Is this a sign of things to come? 391 00:13:57,720 --> 00:13:59,240 That's the big question, isn't it? 392 00:13:59,240 --> 00:14:00,840 And it's one we're going to dive into head first 393 00:14:00,840 --> 00:14:01,720 right after the break. 394 00:14:01,720 --> 00:14:02,640 Stay tuned. 395 00:14:02,640 --> 00:14:03,640 All right, we're back. 396 00:14:03,640 --> 00:14:06,000 And I'm ready to tackle that big question you left us hanging 397 00:14:06,000 --> 00:14:06,440 with. 398 00:14:06,440 --> 00:14:08,600 Yeah, the climate change question. 399 00:14:08,600 --> 00:14:09,960 It's the elephant in the room, isn't it? 400 00:14:09,960 --> 00:14:10,460 It is. 401 00:14:10,460 --> 00:14:13,720 When you see snow piled up next to palm trees, 402 00:14:13,720 --> 00:14:16,360 it's hard not to wonder if this is just a freak event 403 00:14:16,360 --> 00:14:18,840 or a sign of things to come. 404 00:14:18,840 --> 00:14:19,320 Right. 405 00:14:19,320 --> 00:14:22,040 It definitely makes you think about the bigger picture. 406 00:14:22,040 --> 00:14:23,440 So let's get right to it. 407 00:14:23,440 --> 00:14:25,360 What does the science actually say 408 00:14:25,360 --> 00:14:28,160 about this snowstorm and climate change? 409 00:14:28,160 --> 00:14:31,080 Are they connected or is it more complicated than that? 410 00:14:31,080 --> 00:14:32,840 That's what I'm here to find out. 411 00:14:32,840 --> 00:14:33,680 Give it to me straight. 412 00:14:33,680 --> 00:14:34,760 What's the connection? 413 00:14:34,760 --> 00:14:37,080 Well, it's not as simple as saying climate change 414 00:14:37,080 --> 00:14:38,360 caused this snowstorm. 415 00:14:38,360 --> 00:14:40,240 Think of it like this. 416 00:14:40,240 --> 00:14:41,960 You get a cough. 417 00:14:41,960 --> 00:14:42,920 OK, I'm coughing now. 418 00:14:42,920 --> 00:14:43,240 What? 419 00:14:43,240 --> 00:14:46,240 Well, that cough could be from a cold, allergies. 420 00:14:46,240 --> 00:14:47,920 Maybe you just inhaled something funny. 421 00:14:47,920 --> 00:14:49,680 There are lots of reasons why you might cough. 422 00:14:49,680 --> 00:14:52,800 But sometimes a cough is a sign of something more serious. 423 00:14:52,800 --> 00:14:53,720 Exactly. 424 00:14:53,720 --> 00:14:56,880 And that's kind of like climate change and extreme weather. 425 00:14:56,880 --> 00:15:00,680 Climate change, it can make all sorts of crazy weather 426 00:15:00,680 --> 00:15:01,880 more likely. 427 00:15:01,880 --> 00:15:06,040 Heatwaves, droughts, floods, and yes, even big snowstorms. 428 00:15:06,040 --> 00:15:08,560 It's like climate change loads the dice, 429 00:15:08,560 --> 00:15:11,800 making extreme events of all kinds more likely to happen. 430 00:15:11,800 --> 00:15:14,680 So we can't say for sure that climate change caused 431 00:15:14,680 --> 00:15:17,560 this snowstorm, but it might have made it more likely. 432 00:15:17,560 --> 00:15:18,200 You got it. 433 00:15:18,200 --> 00:15:21,000 It's a piece of the puzzle, but not the whole picture. 434 00:15:21,000 --> 00:15:22,160 Right, right. 435 00:15:22,160 --> 00:15:25,720 So this snowstorm might not be direct proof of climate change, 436 00:15:25,720 --> 00:15:28,080 but it's something we need to keep in mind when we're 437 00:15:28,080 --> 00:15:30,000 talking about how our climate is changing 438 00:15:30,000 --> 00:15:31,440 and what that means for the future. 439 00:15:31,440 --> 00:15:32,320 Exactly. 440 00:15:32,320 --> 00:15:35,800 And don't forget, we had the warmest year on record 441 00:15:35,800 --> 00:15:37,600 globally just last year. 442 00:15:37,600 --> 00:15:39,160 2024 was the scorcher. 443 00:15:39,160 --> 00:15:40,240 It was. 444 00:15:40,240 --> 00:15:42,640 And you know, those warmer global temperatures, 445 00:15:42,640 --> 00:15:45,680 they actually play a role in events like this snowstorm. 446 00:15:45,680 --> 00:15:46,560 Wait, really? 447 00:15:46,560 --> 00:15:47,240 How so? 448 00:15:47,240 --> 00:15:50,000 Well, warmer temperatures, especially warmer oceans, 449 00:15:50,000 --> 00:15:53,720 mean more water evaporates into the air, more moisture. 450 00:15:53,720 --> 00:15:55,000 And you know what loves moisture? 451 00:15:55,000 --> 00:15:55,920 Snowstorms. 452 00:15:55,920 --> 00:15:56,680 Bingo. 453 00:15:56,680 --> 00:15:58,080 It's a bit ironic, isn't it? 454 00:15:58,080 --> 00:15:59,640 A warming world can actually lead 455 00:15:59,640 --> 00:16:02,600 to more intense snowstorms under the right conditions. 456 00:16:02,600 --> 00:16:04,760 It's almost like a twisted joke. 457 00:16:04,760 --> 00:16:07,120 Warmer temperatures leading to more snow. 458 00:16:07,120 --> 00:16:09,120 It's like Mother Nature has a weird sense of humor. 459 00:16:09,120 --> 00:16:10,920 Well, she definitely keeps us on our toes. 460 00:16:10,920 --> 00:16:12,720 But seriously, it all gets back to what 461 00:16:12,720 --> 00:16:14,040 we were talking about before. 462 00:16:14,040 --> 00:16:16,720 Everything in our climate system is connected. 463 00:16:16,720 --> 00:16:18,520 And these connections, they can lead 464 00:16:18,520 --> 00:16:21,440 to some pretty wild outcomes, a massive blizzard 465 00:16:21,440 --> 00:16:22,600 in the heart of the South. 466 00:16:22,600 --> 00:16:25,800 Yeah, this snowstorm was a real eye-opener. 467 00:16:25,800 --> 00:16:28,920 The polar vortex dipping south, that high pressure 468 00:16:28,920 --> 00:16:32,520 ridge off the West Coast, the warm gulf waters. 469 00:16:32,520 --> 00:16:34,160 All these ingredients came together 470 00:16:34,160 --> 00:16:36,760 at just the right time, in just the right way, 471 00:16:36,760 --> 00:16:38,960 to create the perfect storm, literally. 472 00:16:38,960 --> 00:16:39,760 You said it. 473 00:16:39,760 --> 00:16:41,960 And I think the big takeaway here is this. 474 00:16:41,960 --> 00:16:43,920 As our climate continues to change, 475 00:16:43,920 --> 00:16:46,360 we can expect more of the unexpected. 476 00:16:46,360 --> 00:16:48,920 More extreme events, whether they're heat waves, droughts, 477 00:16:48,920 --> 00:16:52,240 floods, or yes, even massive snowstorms. 478 00:16:52,240 --> 00:16:54,080 So what you're saying is, buckle up, 479 00:16:54,080 --> 00:16:56,080 it's going to be a wild ride. 480 00:16:56,080 --> 00:16:57,880 But on a serious note, this isn't just 481 00:16:57,880 --> 00:16:59,920 about marveling at Mother Nature's power. 482 00:16:59,920 --> 00:17:03,160 This is about recognizing the reality of climate change 483 00:17:03,160 --> 00:17:05,640 and understanding that it's not just some future problem 484 00:17:05,640 --> 00:17:06,680 that's happening now. 485 00:17:06,680 --> 00:17:07,640 You're absolutely right. 486 00:17:07,640 --> 00:17:11,160 This gulf coast snowstorm, it's a wake-up call. 487 00:17:11,160 --> 00:17:13,760 It's a reminder that we're all in this together. 488 00:17:13,760 --> 00:17:16,320 And we need to act now to protect our planet. 489 00:17:16,320 --> 00:17:17,400 Well said. 490 00:17:17,400 --> 00:17:19,720 And on that note, that's all the time 491 00:17:19,720 --> 00:17:22,600 we have for today's episode of Meteorology Matters. 492 00:17:22,600 --> 00:17:24,320 Yeah, it looks like we're out of time. 493 00:17:24,320 --> 00:17:25,880 I want to thank you for joining me today, 494 00:17:25,880 --> 00:17:28,120 for sharing your expertise, and for helping us make 495 00:17:28,120 --> 00:17:29,840 sense of this wild weather event. 496 00:17:29,840 --> 00:17:32,200 It's always a pleasure to talk about the weather, especially 497 00:17:32,200 --> 00:17:33,520 when it's this interesting. 498 00:17:33,520 --> 00:17:35,840 To all our listeners out there, thanks for tuning in. 499 00:17:35,840 --> 00:17:38,200 We'll be back next time with another deep dive 500 00:17:38,200 --> 00:17:41,200 into the fascinating world of meteorology. 501 00:17:41,200 --> 00:17:44,400 Until then, stay curious, stay informed, 502 00:17:44,400 --> 00:17:47,440 and as always, keep an eye on the skies. 503 00:17:47,440 --> 00:17:50,400 You never know what you might see.