Scorching heat waves or destructive hurricanes often come to mind when we think about extreme weather. But the U.S. has a legacy of bone-chilling cold snaps rivaling Antarctica’s icy tales. From remote mountain passes to quiet valleys, some American locations have recorded temperatures so bitterly cold that they defy imagination. Using data from Weather Underground, here’s a countdown of the 13 coldest days ever recorded in the contiguous United States. You’ll probably shiver just reading this list.
Before diving into the numbers, a few disclaimers. While temperature records are well-documented, instruments and methods varied throughout history, leaving room for debate. Locations like Alaska would dominate this list, but for fairness’ sake, we’ve stuck to the lower 48 states. Lastly, the sheer variety of cold spots might surprise you. Montana leads the pack, but Colorado and Minnesota make chilling appearances too.
These record-breaking days offer a glimpse into the harshest conditions nature can throw at us. If you’re fascinated by meteorology or simply enjoy marveling at the extremes of human endurance, this list serves as a frosty reminder of nature’s might.
1. -70°F: Rogers Pass, Montana (Jan. 20, 1954)
Rogers Pass, nestled on the Continental Divide, claims the crown for the coldest temperature in the contiguous U.S. This jaw-dropping -70°F reading was recorded on a winter day that froze everything in sight. Such temperatures create conditions so dangerous that frostbite can occur in minutes.
The record stands as a testament to Montana’s reputation for frigid weather. Rogers Pass’s elevation and isolation make it a prime spot for extreme lows, a feat meteorologists often cite when discussing record-breaking weather.
2. -66°F: Riverside Ranger Station, Montana (Feb. 9, 1933)
Another Montana entry, this time from the Riverside Ranger Station near West Yellowstone. The -66°F reading occurred during a winter that devastated the region with snow and unrelenting cold.
This location, surrounded by thick forests, shows how Montana’s geography amplifies its cold climate. Valleys trap frigid air, turning areas like Riverside into natural freezers.
3. -65°F: Fort Keogh, Montana (Jan. 13, 1888)
Back in 1888, Fort Keogh near Miles City, Montana, experienced a temperature so low it’s difficult to fathom. At -65°F, even livestock and wildlife struggled to survive.
This reading is one of the oldest on record, proving that the late 19th century was just as prone to brutal winters as today. Fort Keogh, a former military post, became synonymous with historic weather events.
4. -63°F: Moran, Wyoming (Feb. 9, 1933)
Wyoming joins the list with Moran, a picturesque town in the Jackson Hole region, hitting -63°F. This temperature coincided with a historic cold wave that froze much of the western U.S.
Moran’s proximity to the Tetons and Yellowstone contributes to its deep freezes. Clear nights and snow-covered ground create the perfect storm for plummeting temperatures.
5. -63°F: Poplar River, Montana (Jan. 1, 1885)
The Poplar River region recorded this icy milestone on New Year’s Day, 1885. This area is a classic example of Montana’s ability to consistently produce record-low temperatures.
Even with modern technology, surviving such temperatures remains a challenge. For the settlers of the 19th century, this day would have been unimaginably brutal.
6. -62°F: Darwin Ranch, Wyoming (Feb. 10, 1981)
Tucked away in western Wyoming, Darwin Ranch recorded a bone-chilling -62°F. This remote area is far removed from the warmth of bustling cities, making it a perfect cold sink.
Wyoming’s rugged terrain and elevation continue to make it one of the coldest states in the country, a fact underscored by this reading.
7. -61°F: Maybell, Colorado (Feb. 1, 1985)
Colorado makes its first entry with Maybell, a small town known for its stunning landscapes and freezing winters. The -61°F reading came during a particularly harsh February.
Maybell’s altitude and open plains allow cold air to settle, making it a prime candidate for extreme temperatures.
8. -61°F: Fort Logan, Montana (Feb. 11, 1899)
Fort Logan adds to Montana’s dominance on this list. Back in 1899, a historic Arctic outbreak plunged temperatures across the country, with Fort Logan recording a mind-numbing -61°F.
This event was part of a larger cold wave that left much of the U.S. in a deep freeze, demonstrating the power of atmospheric patterns.
9. -60°F: Tower, Minnesota (Feb. 2, 1996)
Minnesota’s Tower takes the title for the coldest temperature ever recorded in the state. The -60°F reading occurred during a winter that residents still talk about today.
Known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota’s abundant water bodies can amplify cold spells, especially in areas like Tower, far from urban heat.
10. -60°F: Maybell, Colorado (Jan. 1, 1979)
Maybell reappears on the list, showcasing its propensity for jaw-dropping temperatures. The start of 1979 brought a new year, and dangerously low temperatures.
This entry solidifies Maybell’s reputation as one of Colorado’s coldest towns, with frigid records that stand the test of time.
11. -60°F: West Yellowstone, Montana (Jan. 12, 1963)
West Yellowstone, a gateway to the famous national park, recorded -60°F during a brutal January cold snap. This area, surrounded by wilderness, frequently sees extreme lows.
The pristine beauty of Yellowstone often hides the harsh realities of winter, where temperatures can test even the hardiest of residents.
12. -60°F: Taylor Park, Colorado (Feb. 1, 1951)
Taylor Park, a remote Colorado location, experienced its coldest day in February 1951, with temperatures dropping to -60°F. Such events are rare but unforgettable.
Taylor Park’s elevation and isolation make it prone to record-setting temperatures, a feature often observed in Colorado’s mountainous regions.
13. -60°F: Taylor Park, Colorado (Feb. 1, 1985)
Once again, Taylor Park makes an appearance, proving its status as one of Colorado’s most frigid spots. The consistency of these records speaks volumes about the area’s climate.
While Colorado is famed for skiing and sunshine, Taylor Park serves as a reminder of the state’s harsher side.
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With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
