Australia and the United States — and whether they’re considered normal or abnormal based on current weather/climate reports:

 Australia and the United States — and whether they’re considered normal or abnormal based on current weather/climate reports:

🌏 Australia — Very Hot & Abnormal

Australia (in its summer season — January) is currently experiencing extreme and record-breaking heat:

Parts of southern and inland Australia are seeing temperatures near or above 45–50 °C (113–122 °F). Some regions (e.g., inland Victoria, South Australia) are approaching or exceeding historical records for this time of year. 

Meteorologists and the Bureau of Meteorology describe this heatwave as “incredibly abnormal”, with some areas 20 °C (36 °F) warmer than typical averages for late January. 

Nights have stayed very warm too, with unusually high minimum temperatures, making the overall heat more severe. 

These extreme conditions have led to heat warnings, fire danger alerts, and record stats across multiple states. 

➡️ Conclusion (Australia): Abnormal — much hotter than typical seasonal averages, with many recent record or near-record highs.

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🇺🇸 United States — Mixed, with Cold in Winter Parts

In the U.S., right now (late January) it’s winter for most of the country, and temperatures vary widely by region:

Many northern and central states are experiencing cold conditions, including normal or even below-average temperatures for this time of year due to jet stream and polar vortex effects. There have been forecasts of very cold or record low temperatures in parts of the Midwest/Northeast. 

Southern states might still be mild or cool in winter, but overall it’s not unusual to see freezing to sub-freezing temperatures across much of the U.S. in January.

➡️ Conclusion (USA): Generally normal for winter — cold temperatures are expected in many areas. Some regions may even see unusual extremes (very cold), but this aligns with winter patterns given atmospheric dynamics.

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📌 Why These Differences Matter

Australia’s heat is unusually extreme for this season, with records being challenged and conditions far exceeding historical averages. This is considered abnormal heatwave behavior linked to broader climate trends. 

The United States is in winter, so cold or below-average temperatures in many northern/central areas right now are typical — though occasional unusually strong cold outbreaks can happen due to atmospheric patterns.

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🧠 Quick Summary

Region Current Trend Normal or Abnormal?

Australia Extreme heat, record highs Abnormal (much hotter than average)

United States Cold winter pattern Mostly Normal (typical for season)