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A prolonged deep freeze has enveloped a bitter and extended period of frigid weather, with temperatures hovering in the minus 20 to minus 40 Celsius range for weeks. This week, the Yukon community of Braeburn saw the mercury drop to -55.7C, its coldest December temperature in nearly five decades.

Consecutive Nights Below -40C

Similarly, the communities of Mayo and Dawson experienced 16 consecutive nights below -40C, with Mayo experiencing a low of -50.4C at the start of the week. The capital, Whitehorse, likewise saw ten separate nights when temperatures dropped below -30C.

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

December 26th was anticipated to usher in readings no higher than -20 Celsius across many regions, from Edmonton in the west to Quebec in the east.

Likely to Linger Through Early January

The frigid conditions are predicted to linger through the start of January. 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 over Canada for much of December, which funnels frigid northern air southward. The frigid dome is projected to gradually withdraw north allowing more temperate air from the Pacific to sweep across the US and into parts of southern Canada.

Dramatic Difference 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, surpassing the previous peak of 22C set in 1982. Metropolitan areas such as Austin, Dallas, and Charlotte were also among those that recorded temperatures above 25C.

High-Pressure System Sustains High Temperatures

Above-average warmth is expected to continue through Boxing Day and the days ahead, 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 stretching from the southwestern deserts northward and eastward, which generates a heat-dome phenomenon. Such a configuration results in a widespread high-pressure system across much of the continent, effectively capping warm air at lower altitudes. Sinking atmospheric air undergoes compression and additional heating, allowing unusually warm temperatures to build.