Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Extreme Weather Hits US, Brazil, Japan, and New Zealand

12/29/2025

40 3

Summary

Story summary

The United States faced a week of extreme weather as Arctic air replaces last weekend's record warmth.
In the south and midwest, temperatures ran 15–20C above normal before a polar air mass brought freezing conditions.
In Brazil, São Paulo recorded 36.2C.
Japan experienced severe winter weather that caused a deadly motorway pile-up.
New Zealand faced summer storms with up to 200mm of rain expected on the North Island.

1 of 1

Story summary

The United States faced a week of extreme weather as Arctic air replaces last weekend's record warmth.
In the south and midwest, temperatures ran 15–20C above normal before a polar air mass brought freezing conditions.
In Brazil, São Paulo recorded 36.2C.
Japan experienced severe winter weather that caused a deadly motorway pile-up.
New Zealand faced summer storms with up to 200mm of rain expected on the North Island.