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Northern Canada has been gripped by an intense and prolonged cold spell, with readings persisting from 20 to 40 degrees below zero for weeks. This week, the Yukon community of Braeburn saw the mercury drop to -55.7C, its coldest December temperature since 1975.

Enduring Chill Below -40C

Similarly, the communities of Mayo and Dawson experienced over two straight weeks of nights colder than minus 40 degrees, with Mayo plunging to -50.4C earlier this week. Whitehorse similarly reported 10 nights when temperatures dropped below -30C.

The bitter chill extended its reach south through Christmas week. Christmas night saw Edmonton's temperatures plummet below minus 28C.

The day after Christmas was forecast to deliver minimum temperatures of at least minus 20C in numerous areas, including Edmonton, Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec.

Likely to Linger For Days to Come

The frigid conditions are predicted to linger into the new year. Authorities have cautioned about potential power failures in the Yukon over the next several days, as the system endures record-high pressure from peak power usage levels.

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. Next week, the cold air mass is expected to retreat north gradually, enabling milder Pacific air to move across America and reach into portions of southern Canada.

Pronounced Disparity 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. Across wide regions, the atmosphere was more akin to late spring rather than the end of December.

Several states set Christmas Day temperature records. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, reached 25 degrees Celsius on Christmas, exceeding the old record of 22C from 1982. Metropolitan areas such as Austin, Dallas, and Charlotte also logged readings above 25 degrees Celsius.

Heat-Dome Effect Sustains High Temperatures

Unseasonable heat is predicted to persist on December 26th and into the weekend, with abnormal warmth projected to move into the south-eastern states later in the week.

The unseasonable temperatures are powered by a strong upper-level ridge reaching from the arid southwest across the continent, establishing a classic heat-dome pattern. This setup creates an extensive zone of high atmospheric pressure blanketing a significant part of the landmass, trapping warm air near the surface. Sinking atmospheric air undergoes compression and additional heating, allowing unusually warm temperatures to build.