And back here at home, the latest surprises in this season of extreme weather. It's an ice skating rink in wisconsin last week, closed because the arctic air was too cold. But today, it was closed once again, this time, because the air is too warm and it's turned to slush. It's weather whiplash across this country from the great lakes and all the way across to the gulf. There are severe warnings out tonight, and abc's weather editor sam champion ittells us what to expect. Reporter: January has been a weather whiplash from brutal cold to record heat and back again in a matter of days. In chicago, just four days ago, people were bundled up in the snow. Today, they were in were in jogging shorts as temperatures hit a record of at least 63 degrees. Way too slushy to skate in millennium park, but just wait 24 hours, when the temperatures will drop again. Loving it. Reporter: Yesterday, there were two dozen record highs, some the warmest ever recorded in january. Across the country, those giant swings in temperature causing big problems on the roads. Way ahead of the usual spring pothole season. Also way ahead of the spring season, the usual position of jet streams, boosting the power of tonight's storms. Five states have tornado watches or warnings. Just look at these clouds in dallas tonight. And winds blowing over this truck in missouri. And after weeks of these temperature turns, expect more change on the way. Enjoy the day, because tomorrow it's just going to drop again. Reporter: And this is on the east coast, as well. I was standing in this exact spot talking to you just a few days ago, it was 19 degrees. Today, some 30 degrees warmer. Let's concentrate on this front line that's ripping through the south tonight. These are going to be some powerful storms. They are breaking as we speak right now. The line we're most concerned about, through louisiana, arkansas, I think a little bit of mississippi. Some west tennessee, as well. Not just potential for tornadoes to pop up until 3:00 or 4:00 in the morning, but we know there will be straight line wind damage. This front is moving so quickly, diane. Out in the elements again for us tonight. Thank you so much, sam champion reporting in.