Rockies

The Rockies are a major mountain range in western North America. They are newsworthy due to recent extreme weather events impacting the region. Specifically, the area has experienced both record-breaking heatwaves and severe winter storms. Scientists attribute the intensity of the heatwave to the climate crisis, stating it would have been “virtually impossible” without it. Simultaneously, the Rockies are bracing for a powerful winter storm bringing heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, and dangerously cold temperatures. This juxtaposition of extreme heat and cold highlights the increasing volatility of weather patterns and the potential for hazardous conditions, power outages, and travel disruptions across the region, making the Rockies a focal point for observing the impacts of climate change and extreme weather.