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An intense cold spell has seized a bitter and extended period of frigid weather, with thermometers lingering from 20 to 40 degrees below zero for weeks. A reading of -55.7 Celsius was logged in Braeburn, Yukon, on Tuesday, representing its most frigid December day since 1975.

Consecutive Nights of Extreme Cold

Similarly, the communities of Mayo and Dawson experienced 16 consecutive nights colder than minus 40 degrees, with Mayo experiencing a low of -50.4C earlier this week. Whitehorse similarly reported a series of ten nights when readings fell to minus 30 degrees or lower.

The bitter chill extended its reach south through Christmas week. On Christmas Day, overnight temperatures in Edmonton fell below -28C.

The day after Christmas was forecast to deliver minimum temperatures of at least minus 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 into the new year. Authorities have cautioned about potential power failures in the Yukon over the next several days, as its energy infrastructure faces unprecedented demand from peak power usage levels.

The prolonged chill has been caused by the Arctic vortex settling across the northern part of the continent this month, which funnels frigid northern air southward. The frigid dome is projected to gradually withdraw north slowly, permitting warmer Pacific winds to flow over the United States and penetrate southern Canadian regions.

Dramatic Difference with US Warmth

Meanwhile, in a dramatic contrast, areas of the United States saw the hottest December 25th in their history as readings skyrocketed 15 to 30 degrees Celsius above normal. In many areas, conditions felt more typical of April or May rather than the end of December.

Several states set Christmas Day temperature records. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, reached 25 degrees Celsius on Christmas, surpassing the previous peak of 22C set in 1982. Urban centers like Austin, Dallas, and Charlotte, North Carolina similarly saw thermometers rise past the 25C mark.

High-Pressure System Fuels Warmth

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 warmth has been fuelled by a robust atmospheric ridge stretching from the southwestern deserts northward and eastward, establishing a classic heat-dome pattern. This setup creates an extensive zone of high atmospheric pressure over a large portion of North America, which holds warm air close to the ground. As air sinks through the atmosphere, it compresses and heats further, allowing unusually warm temperatures to build.