Winter Blizzards and Cold Records
Weather Extremes: Coldest, Snowiest Cities in the United States
The greatest cold wave in the U.S. occurred in 1899, of which records still stand for minimum temperature recorded. Explore which cities hold the record for snowfall.
Snowfall Records for U.S.
It is a fact that every state in the U.S. has experienced snowfall. The heaviest snowfall season on record came during the winter of 1998-99, at Mt. Baker in Washington. The Mt. Baker station recorded 1,140 inches of snow in a single winter season.
Snowiest Cities in the U.S. (over 10,000 in population) - annual snowfall
1. Truckee, CA 203.4 inches
2. Marquette, MI 179.8 inches*
3. Steamboat Springs, CO 173.3 inches
4. Oswego, NY 153.3 inches
5. Sault. Ste. Marie, MI 131.2 inches
6. Syracuse, NY 120.2 inches
7. Meadville, PA 111.2 inches
8. Flagstaff, AZ 111.1 inches
9. Watertown, NY 110.8 inches
10. Muskegon, MI 105.9 inches
*It is important to mention that where a weather monitoring station is located can make a difference in data. The Marquette weather station is located at the airport, several miles from the city.
Coldest Cities in the U.S.
The winter can bring extreme cold to the United States, with cold arctic air and winter storms. When asked to name the coldest state in the U.S., Alaska comes to mind of course. Here are the 10 coldest cities in the United States, based on annual average temperatures, measured in degree Fahrenheit.
10 Coldest Cities in U.S.
1. Fairbanks, AK, averages 26.7 F (-2.9 C)
2. Anchorage, AK, averages 36.2 F (2.3 C)
3. Gunnison, CO, averages 37.3 F (2.9 C)
4. International Falls, MN, averages 37.4 F (3 C)
5. Duluth, MN, averages 39.1 F (3.9 C)
6. Caribou, ME, averages 39.2 F (4 C)
7. Butte, MT, averages 39.5 F (4.2 C)
8. Sault. Ste. Marie, MI, averages 40.1 F (4.5 C)
9. Grand Forks, ND, averages 40.3 F (4.6 C)
10. Alamosa, CO, averages 40.8 F (4.9 C)
The coldest temperature ever recorded in the U.S. did, however, occur in Alaska. In January of 1971, Prospect Creek, Alaska recorded a minimum temperature of -80 F (-62.2 C). The coldest temperature recorded in the continental states, happened in Embarrass, Minnesota at -64 degrees F (-53.3 C). This temperature was recorded in February 1996, verified for accuracy by Taylor Environmental Instruments.
Cold Wave of 1899
The most wide-spread cold wave to hit the U.S. came in 1899, when a significant cold wave hit the majority of the country. In February 1899, temperatures dropped below zero in every U.S. state, even Florida where Tallahassee dropped to -2 F (-18.9). The records for minimum temperature still stand today in many states. As the arctic air spread from Canada, even the maximum temperatures were well below zero.
Blizzards of 1888
In January and March of 1888, two extremely cold and deadly snowstorms hit the United States. In January, a winter storm hit the Great Plains, killing 237 people and huge numbers of livestock. The storm spread extreme cold and snow from Texas to Minnesota. In March, another storm hit New York and the Northeast. The snow dumped up to 55" of snow in some areas, with hurricane force winds, creating blizzards. In New York City alone, 200 died in the winter storm.
Super Storm of 1993
In March 1993, a vast snow storm hit the eastern United States, known as the "Storm of the Century". Snow fell from Alabama to New York. The snowfall broke almost all single snowstorm records, dumping several feet of snow over several days. Record winds whipped snowfall into blizzard conditions.
References:
Burt, Christopher C. Extreme Weather, a guide and record book. 2007. W. W. Norton Company, New York.
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