Much of the United States is preparing for a major snowstorm expected this weekend. Temperatures could drop below zero, and heavy snowfall may trigger power outages. Forecasters warn this winter storm could be record-breaking, with ice and snow levels not seen since 1998.
The storm is expected to hit more than 40 states, but President Donald Trump appeared to have misunderstood what global warming actually means. In a social media post, he pointed to the cold snap as 'proof' that global warming is a hoax. Typing in all capitals, the President asked, 'Whatever happened to global warming?' and challenged so-called 'Environmental Insurrectionists' to explain.
President Mixes Up Weather and Climate
Trump's post on Truth Social came after meteorologists warned that heavy snow, freezing rain, and prolonged sub-zero temperatures may disrupt travel, power supply, and lead to dangerous conditions for Americans. Severe cold weather can still happen even as the planet warms, but the President's comments make it clear he continues to question climate change.
Whilst scientists issued warnings about the dangerous cold weather conditions, Trump seized the moment to cast doubt on climate change. In his post, Trump wrote: 'Record Cold Wave expected to hit 40 States. Rarely seen anything like it before.' Then, he asked groups that protect the environment to explain 'whatever happened to global warming'.
The President's remarks quickly went viral because they once again reflected his long-standing opposition to conventional climate science. His critics argue that using the cold snap as proof against global warming clearly shows a misunderstanding of basic climate concepts.
For years, experts have explained that global warming does not mean it will never get cold. The term describes an overall rise in average temperatures, which can disrupt the planet's natural climate systems or patterns.
Even the Red Cross explained: 'Winters are getting warmer and shorter because of the climate crisis. But, because a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, heavier snowfalls are more likely to occur.'
However, for Trump, the global climate crisis is a fraud, and he has expressed this belief multiple times. Just in September last year, he said that climate change is the 'greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world' during his speech to the United Nations.
Public Reaction to Trump's Climate Comments
Trump's comments triggered reactions, with many pointing out that climate change is real. Critics stressed that weather and climate are not the same and that a single weather event should not be used to compare with long-term climate trends.
They also said experts need to do a better job explaining the difference, as the confusion clearly affects not just Trump but the public as well. On the other hand, the POTUS' loyal supporters defended the post, saying it was a political attack on environmental policies they view as alarmist. They also asserted that the term 'global warming' is often used incorrectly and demanded talks about environmental goals.
Historic Winter Storm in the US
Meanwhile, the major winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow, sleet, and dangerous ice to dozens of states, affecting millions of Americans from Friday into the weekend. The storm is forecast to begin on Friday and intensify by evening. The storm will hit Texas and Oklahoma first and is expected to move from New Mexico to Virginia on Saturday before hitting the Northeast, including New York, on Sunday, according to USA Today.
'This is expected to be an unusually large and severe winter storm,' the National Weather Service stated. 'Dangerously cold air remains in the forecast for more than half of the U.S. population through the weekend and into early next week.'
Originally published on IBTimes UK
