Record Cold in Northern Canada and Warmest Christmas Day in US Amid Intense Weather Contrasts
Northern Canada is experiencing an intense and prolonged cold spell with temperatures ranging between -20C and -40C. Notably, Braeburn, Yukon recorded -55.7C, the coldest December temperature there since 1975. Mayo and Dawson have reported 16 consecutive nights below -40C, with Mayo hitting -50.4C on Monday. Whitehorse logged 10 nights below -30C. On Christmas Day, Edmonton's temperature fell below -28C, and Boxing Day lows are expected to dip to at least -20C across regions including Edmonton, Montreal, Ottawa, and Quebec. The Yukon power grid is under strain, with officials warning of potential electricity outages due to record-high energy demand. A polar vortex has remained anchored over Canada for much of December; however, it is expected to retreat north next week, allowing milder Pacific air into the US and parts of southern Canada. In contrast, the US experienced its warmest Christmas Day on record, with temperatures about 15-30C above seasonal norms. Oklahoma City reached 25C, surpassing the 1982 record of 22C. Other cities including Austin, Dallas, and Charlotte also recorded temperatures above 25C. This unusual heat is driven by a strong upper-level ridge extending from the southwestern US toward the north and east, creating a heat dome and a broad high-pressure zone that traps warm air near the surface.
