As of January 10, 2025, the United States is facing two starkly different weather emergencies.

California continues to battle severe wildfires, particularly in Los Angeles County, while the Midwest and Southern regions brace for an Arctic blast expected to bring dangerously cold temperatures this weekend. 

California Wildfires

In Los Angeles County, multiple wildfires have erupted, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds and exceptionally dry conditions.

The most significant of these, the Palisades fire, has rapidly expanded to approximately 20,000 acres with 8% containment, leading to evacuation orders for at least 130,000 residents.

The fires have resulted in fatalities, destroyed homes, and caused widespread power outages, with nearly 1.2 million customers initially losing power, though that number has since decreased to about 390,000. 

The National Weather Service has issued an ongoing Red Flag Warning for the Los Angeles area, indicating critical fire weather conditions. Residents are urged to continue to take precautions. 

Midwest and Southern U.S. Cold Weather Forecast

Meanwhile, the Midwest and Southern United States are preparing for a significant drop in temperatures due to an Arctic blast moving into the area.

Forecasts suggest this could lead to the coldest January since 2011, with multiple winter storms anticipated. The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center indicates that a weak La Niña contributes to colder temperatures. 

According to the Washington Post, more than 20 states are currently under Winter storm warnings, watches, and advisories. “Dallas to beyond Atlanta — including Little Rock, Nashville and Raleigh, North Carolina — heavy snow and ice will lead to hazardous conditions, with the potential for power outages, widespread slippery roads, delayed and canceled flights, and school and business closures in the days ahead.

The worst weather will generally be found north of the Interstate 20 corridor, a major east-west highway in the southern United States.” 

Implications and Preparedness

The concurrent extreme weather events highlight the diverse challenges posed by climate variability across the U.S.

In California, prolonged drought and increased heat have intensified wildfires, while the Arctic blast emphasizes winter weather volatility in the Midwest and South. 

Residents are urged to stay informed and adhere to guidance from local authorities to mitigate risks.

Safety Tips for Both Emergencies from the American Red Cross

Wildfire Safety Tips

  1. Follow Evacuation Orders: Always comply with authorities’ directives and have an emergency kit ready with water, food, medications, and important documents. 
  2. Protect Your Lungs: Use N95 masks to filter out smoke particles and stay indoors with windows and doors closed if masks are unavailable. Check air quality alerts regularly. AirNow.gov, the EPA’s website, allows people to track air quality by entering their ZIP codes.  
  3. Prepare Your Home: Remove flammable materials from around your home and have a hose connected to an outdoor faucet for firefighting purposes. 
  4. Stay Informed: Monitor local news and emergency alerts for fire locations and air quality updates. 

Create a Defensible Space: If time permits, clear vegetation around your home to reduce fire risk.

Cold Weather Safety Tips

  1. Layer Up: Wear multiple layers and insulated, waterproof footwear to prevent frostbite and hypothermia. 
  2. Protect Pipes: Allow faucets to drip and keep cabinet doors open to prevent freezing. 
  3. Prepare Vehicles: Keep a winter emergency kit in your car with blankets, snacks, water, and jumper cables. Ensure tires are inflated, and windshield washer fluid is topped off with antifreeze. 
  4. Check Heating Systems: Ensure furnaces and space heaters are functioning correctly. Never use ovens or grills for heating. 
  5. Avoid Overexertion: Shoveling snow or other strenuous activities can strain your heart. Take breaks and shovel small amounts at a time. 
  6. Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecasts and avoid unnecessary travel during snowstorms. 
  7. Help Vulnerable Populations: Check on elderly neighbors or anyone who may need assistance in extreme cold.

Visit our Wildfire Resource Center for comprehensive guidance on wildfire preparedness and safety. The center provides reliable, actionable information for communities and residents alike.

For tips on staying safe during extreme cold and winter storms, check out our Winter Safety Tips.