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A prolonged deep freeze has enveloped a severe and lengthy Arctic outbreak, with readings persisting from 20 to 40 degrees below zero for multiple weeks. On Tuesday, Braeburn in the Yukon recorded -55.7C, representing its most frigid December day since 1975.

Consecutive Nights of Extreme Cold

Similarly, the communities of Mayo and Dawson experienced sixteen nights in a row colder than minus 40 degrees, with Mayo experiencing a low of -50.4C at the start of the week. The capital, Whitehorse, likewise saw 10 nights when the cold dipped under -30 Celsius.

The deep freeze spread farther south during the holiday season. Christmas night saw Edmonton's temperatures plummet below minus 28C.

December 26th was anticipated to usher in minimum temperatures of at least minus 20C in numerous areas, encompassing cities from Edmonton to Quebec.

Likely to Linger For Days to Come

This harsh winter weather is expected to continue into the new year. Officials have warned that the Yukon could face electricity outages in the coming days, as the territory’s power grid comes under strain from record-high energy demand.

The lengthy cold snap originates from the polar vortex remaining anchored over Canada for much of December, enabling a surge of icy Arctic winds to descend. The frigid dome is projected to gradually withdraw north slowly, permitting warmer Pacific winds to flow over the US and into parts of southern Canada.

Pronounced Disparity Compared to Stateside Temperatures

In stark contrast, parts of the US experienced their warmest Christmas Day on record as the mercury climbed roughly 15 to 30 degrees above typical averages. For numerous locations, the weather resembled a spring day in April or May instead of the heart of winter.

Multiple states established new Christmas temperature highs. In Oklahoma, Oklahoma City hit 25C on Tuesday, topping the prior high mark of 22 degrees established over forty years ago. Urban centers like Austin, Dallas, and Charlotte, North Carolina were also among those that recorded temperatures above 25C.

High-Pressure System Fuels Warmth

Above-average warmth is expected to continue through Boxing Day and the days ahead, with atypical high temperatures expected to spread into the south-eastern states later in the week.

The unseasonable temperatures are powered by a strong upper-level ridge stretching from the southwestern deserts northward and eastward, establishing a classic heat-dome pattern. Such a configuration results in a widespread high-pressure system across much of the continent, effectively capping warm air at lower altitudes. As air sinks through the atmosphere, it compresses and heats further, allowing unusually warm temperatures to build.