Story perspectives

Winter Storm Sparks Climate Change Debate Across 34 States

1/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Winter Storm Fern affected 34 states in January 2026, sparking a climate-change debate.
Critics, including U.S. President Donald Trump, say the storm's cold contradicts global warming.
Scientists say weather and climate are distinct, and short-term cold can occur even as warming trends rise.
The storm's intensity ties to a weakened polar vortex and increased atmospheric moisture from warming oceans, showing climate change can drive extreme winter storms.

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Story summary

Winter Storm Fern affected 34 states in January 2026, sparking a climate-change debate.
Critics, including U.S. President Donald Trump, say the storm's cold contradicts global warming.
Scientists say weather and climate are distinct, and short-term cold can occur even as warming trends rise.
The storm's intensity ties to a weakened polar vortex and increased atmospheric moisture from warming oceans, showing climate change can drive extreme winter storms.