Deep Freeze Tightens Hold on Canada as America Sees Hottest Christmas in History.
A prolonged deep freeze has enveloped a bitter and extended period of frigid weather, with readings persisting between -20C and -40C for multiple weeks. A reading of -55.7 Celsius was logged in Braeburn, Yukon, on Tuesday, marking its chilliest December reading since 1975.
Prolonged Freeze in the Deep Minus Forties
In addition, the locales of Mayo and Dawson suffered through 16 consecutive nights dipping under the minus 40 Celsius threshold, with Mayo experiencing a low of -50.4C earlier this week. Whitehorse also recorded ten separate nights when temperatures dropped below -30C.
The bitter chill extended its reach south over the festive period. Christmas night saw Edmonton's temperatures plummet below minus 28C.
Boxing Day was expected to bring lows of at least -20C in numerous areas, including Edmonton, Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec.
Likely to Linger into the New Year
This harsh winter weather is expected to continue through the start of January. Authorities have cautioned about potential power failures in the Yukon over the next several days, as the territory’s power grid comes under strain from historically high electricity consumption.
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 the United States and penetrate southern Canadian regions.
Pronounced Disparity Compared to Stateside Temperatures
In stark contrast, parts of the US experienced the hottest December 25th in their history as temperatures soared about 15-30C above the seasonal average. In many areas, conditions felt more typical of April or May instead of the heart of winter.
Several states set Christmas Day temperature records. The capital of Oklahoma soared to 25C on Christmas Day, surpassing the previous peak of 22C set in 1982. Urban centers like Austin, Dallas, and Charlotte, North Carolina were also among those that recorded temperatures above 25C.
Atmospheric Ridge Fuels Warmth
Above-average warmth is expected to continue for the remainder of the week and beyond, with unseasonable heat forecast to sweep through the American Southeast soon.
The warmth has been fuelled by a strong upper-level ridge extending from the desert south-west towards the north and east, establishing a classic heat-dome pattern. This setup creates an extensive zone of high atmospheric pressure over a large portion of North America, effectively capping warm air at lower altitudes. As air sinks through the atmosphere, it compresses and heats further, fostering the buildup of exceptional warmth.