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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, its coldest December temperature since 1975.

Prolonged Freeze of Extreme Cold

Meanwhile, Mayo and Dawson endured sixteen nights in a row dipping under the minus 40 Celsius threshold, with Mayo experiencing a low of -50.4C earlier this week. The capital, Whitehorse, likewise saw ten separate nights when the cold dipped under -30 Celsius.

This Arctic air mass pushed further southward over the festive period. Christmas night saw Edmonton's temperatures plummet below minus 28C.

The day after Christmas was forecast to deliver lows of at least -20C across many regions, from Edmonton in the west to Quebec in the east.

Likely to Linger into the New Year

The frigid conditions are predicted to linger for the foreseeable future. There are warnings of possible electrical grid strain in Yukon territory over the next several days, as the territory’s power grid comes under strain from peak power usage levels.

The prolonged chill has been caused by a stationary polar vortex across the northern part of the continent this month, 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 America and reach into portions of southern Canada.

Stark Contrast Compared to Stateside Temperatures

Conversely, sections of America recorded the hottest December 25th in their history as readings skyrocketed 15 to 30 degrees Celsius above normal. For numerous locations, the weather resembled a spring day in April or May instead of the heart of winter.

Several states set Christmas Day temperature records. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, reached 25 degrees Celsius on Christmas, exceeding the old record of 22C from 1982. Cities including Austin and Dallas, in Texas, and Charlotte, North Carolina were also among those that recorded temperatures above 25C.

High-Pressure System Sustains High Temperatures

Unseasonable heat is predicted to persist on December 26th and into the weekend, with abnormal warmth projected to move across the southeastern US in the coming days.

This heat is being driven by a powerful high-altitude ridge reaching from the arid southwest across the continent, creating a heat-dome effect. This pattern establishes a broad area of high pressure blanketing a significant part of the landmass, effectively capping warm air at lower altitudes. Descending air compresses and adiabatically warms, fostering the buildup of exceptional warmth.