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An intense cold spell has seized an intense and prolonged cold spell, with readings persisting between -20C and -40C for an extended duration. This week, the Yukon community of Braeburn saw the mercury drop to -55.7C, marking its chilliest December reading since 1975.

Prolonged Freeze in the Deep Minus Forties

In addition, the locales of Mayo and Dawson suffered through over two straight weeks of nights dipping under the minus 40 Celsius threshold, with Mayo experiencing a low of -50.4C at the start of the week. Whitehorse also recorded 10 nights when temperatures dropped below -30C.

The deep freeze spread farther south through Christmas week. Christmas night saw Edmonton's temperatures plummet below minus 28C.

December 26th was anticipated to usher in lows of at least -20C in numerous areas, from Edmonton in the west to Quebec in the east.

Expected to Continue For Days to Come

This harsh winter weather is expected to continue through the start of January. There are warnings of possible electrical grid strain in Yukon territory over the next several days, as the system endures record-high pressure from historically high electricity consumption.

The prolonged chill has been caused by the polar vortex remaining anchored 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 gradually, enabling milder Pacific air to move across the US and into parts of southern Canada.

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.

Several states set Christmas Day temperature records. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, reached 25 degrees Celsius on Christmas, topping the prior high mark of 22 degrees established over forty years ago. Urban centers like Austin, Dallas, and Charlotte, North Carolina also logged readings above 25 degrees Celsius.

Heat-Dome Effect Sustains High Temperatures

Unseasonable heat is predicted to persist for the remainder of the week and beyond, with unseasonable heat forecast to sweep across the southeastern US in the coming days.

The unseasonable temperatures are powered by a powerful high-altitude ridge stretching from the southwestern deserts northward and eastward, which generates a heat-dome phenomenon. This pattern establishes a broad area of high pressure blanketing a significant part of the landmass, trapping warm air near the surface. Sinking atmospheric air undergoes compression and additional heating, enabling abnormally high temperatures to develop.