Climate Impact Report – 1/28

January 28, 2025

Key Facts Of The Day 1/28

A cross-country storm is expected to spread snow and drenching rain across a 2,600-mile swatch from the southwest to the northeast by the end of the week.
- The same storm that broke Southern California’s dry streak is expected to bring rain, snow, and ice to central states by midweek and to the northeast by the weekend.
- Starting Wednesday, a flood risk is expected in areas from the southern Plains to the Mississippi Valley. Some areas are expected to receive four to six inches of rain, and severe thunderstorms, hail, and damaging wind gusts are possible.
An arctic cold front is expected to bring snow squalls to parts of the Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast on Tuesday.
- These areas are forecasted to experience heavy snowfall and gusty winds, decreasing visibility and creating dangerous driving conditions.
On Monday, a 3.8-magnitude earthquake was reported off the coast of York Harbor, Maine, and was felt across New England.

In California, 9 fires have burned 49,605 acres as of Friday.
- As of Tuesday, the Palisades Fire has burned 23,448 acres and is 95% contained.
  - On Monday, the death toll from the Palisades Fire rose to 29.
  - According to Los Angeles County officials, at least 17 of the deaths were due to the Eaton Fire and 12 from the Palisades Fire.
- As of Tuesday, the Eaton Fire has burned 14,021 acres and is 99% contained.
- As of Tuesday, the Hughes Fire has burned 10,425 acres and is 98% contained.
- As of Tuesday, the Border 2 Fire has burned 6,625 acres and is 74% contained.
In Los Angeles County, parents have raised concerns about the health risks lingering toxic ash poses to children’s health as schools have begun to reopen.

Extreme Heat

Researchers found that the rate of warming in the oceans has more than quadrupled since 1985, suggesting an acceleration of global warming.
- According to the study, global ocean temperatures hit record highs for 450 days straight in 2023 and early 2024, indicating that the pace of climate change has accelerated.
Researchers found that extreme heat could kill 50% more Europeans by 2100.
A recent report found that extreme weather exacerbated by climate change fueled hunger and food insecurity across Latin America and the Caribbean in 2023.