Deep Freeze Grips the Great White North as America Sees Most Unseasonably Mild Christmas in History.
A prolonged deep freeze has enveloped a bitter and extended period of frigid weather, with readings persisting from 20 to 40 degrees below zero for an extended duration. This week, the Yukon community of Braeburn saw the mercury drop to -55.7C, marking its chilliest December reading in half a century.
Prolonged Freeze Below -40C
In addition, the locales of Mayo and Dawson suffered through 16 consecutive nights dipping under the minus 40 Celsius threshold, with Mayo plunging to -50.4C on Monday. The capital, Whitehorse, likewise saw 10 nights when temperatures dropped below -30C.
The bitter chill extended its reach south during the holiday season. On Christmas Day, overnight temperatures in Edmonton fell below -28C.
December 26th was anticipated to usher in readings no higher than -20 Celsius through a wide swath, including Edmonton, Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec.
Expected to Continue For Days to Come
The frigid conditions are predicted to linger through the start of January. Authorities have cautioned about potential power failures in the Yukon in the coming days, as its energy infrastructure faces unprecedented demand from historically high electricity consumption.
The prolonged chill has been caused by the Arctic vortex settling over Canada for much of December, which funnels frigid northern air southward. In the coming week, forecasts indicate this cold air will pull back northward allowing more temperate air from the Pacific to sweep across the United States and penetrate southern Canadian regions.
Pronounced Disparity Compared to Stateside Temperatures
In stark contrast, parts of the US experienced historically high temperatures for Christmas as readings skyrocketed 15 to 30 degrees Celsius above normal. For numerous locations, the weather resembled a spring day in April or May than late December.
A number of states broke historical records for December 25th warmth. In Oklahoma, Oklahoma City hit 25C on Tuesday, topping the prior high mark of 22 degrees established over forty years ago. Metropolitan areas such as Austin, Dallas, and Charlotte also logged readings above 25 degrees Celsius.
High-Pressure System Drives the Heat
Warmer-than-normal conditions are forecast to last on December 26th and into the weekend, with atypical high temperatures expected to spread through the American Southeast soon.
The unseasonable temperatures are powered by a powerful high-altitude ridge reaching from the arid southwest across the continent, which generates a heat-dome phenomenon. This pattern establishes a broad area of high pressure across much of the continent, which holds warm air close to the ground. As air sinks through the atmosphere, it compresses and heats further, fostering the buildup of exceptional warmth.
