The Coldest Cities in Contiguous USA During Winter
Every winter, the cold seems to grip the nation, and the coldest cities in the United States mainland can leave even the toughest souls shivering. Two cities stand out as the coldest: Minneapolis, Minnesota, and International Falls, Minnesota. While Minneapolis is the most notable for its extreme cold and larger population, both cities have held record-breaking temperatures, making them true winter champions.
Minneapolis - The Cold Capital of the Heartland
Minneapolis, Minnesota, often referred to as the capital of the cold, is known for its record-breaking temperatures. The city frequently experiences extremely low temperatures, especially in January, when average lows can drop well below 0°F (-18°C). Minneapolis is particularly famous for its harsh winters and has earned the nickname 'Freezopolis.' The city’s cold climate is a defining feature of the region and can be felt throughout the winter months.
International Falls - The Cold Champion
While Minneapolis captures many headlines, International Falls, Minnesota, often holds the record for the coldest temperatures in the contiguous United States. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), International Falls has reported the coldest winter temperatures in the Lower 48 states for multiple years. This small city, located near the Canadian border, regularly faces extreme cold. The coldest temperature ever recorded there was -60°F (-51°C) on February 2, 1996, tied with North Dakota for the lowest temperature for a non-mountainous state.
Other Contenders
While Minneapolis commonly makes the list, other cities also claim the title of coldest. Fargo and Grand Forks, in North Dakota, are known for their harsh winters and low temperatures. These cities often experience sub-zero temperatures and have been recognized for their cold climates.
Extreme Records and Winters
The coldest winters can also set extreme records. In February 1996, a location in St. Louis County, Minnesota, three miles south of Tower, recorded a temperature of -60°F (-51°C), a record that ties Minnesota with North Dakota for the lowest temperature for a non-mountainous state. The lower 48 states experienced their official coldest temperature of -70°F (-57°C) on January 20, 1954, at Rogers Pass in Montana.
The Coldest Towns Over 50,000 Population
Among more populous cities, Minneapolis-St. Paul holds the record with a temperature of 7.5°F (-14°C) on a particularly cold day. Meanwhile, Fargo, North Dakota, has the coldest city with a population over 100,000, with temperatures dipping to 0.1°F (-17.4°C).
Cold Records Across the USA
It's fascinating to explore the cold records from across the nation. Arizona, for instance, saw its coldest temperature recorded at Hawley Lake, White Mountains, at -40°C (-40°F) on January 7, 1971. In contrast, Fraser, Colorado, stands out as the coldest incorporated town in the lower 48 states, with an average annual temperature of 32.5°F (0.3°C) or 34.8°F (1.6°C).
A Comparative View
The geography of these cold regions also provides insights into the mechanics of extreme cold. Locations like Fraser, Colorado, and the northern Midwestern states share similar latitude but vary significantly in their cold records. It's intriguing to note that Mt. Everest, at 30,000 feet, has recorded a temperature of -43.6°F (-42.5°C), only marginally warmer than some parts of Arizona, despite its lower latitude. This stark contrast highlights the influence of altitude and local weather patterns on temperature extremes.
Conclusion
While Minneapolis and International Falls stand out as the coldest cities during winter in the contiguous USA, the detailed exploration of cold records reveals a fascinating landscape of extreme temperatures. Whether it's Tower, Minnesota, or Rogers Pass, Montana, the cold continues to capture the essence of winter in the United States.
Exploring these records provides not only historical context but also practical insights into the climate patterns that shape our winters, making it an intriguing subject for weather enthusiasts and researchers alike.