US Arctic Blast: Are Trees Really 'Exploding' In Freezing Temperatures?

Last Updated:January 26, 2026, 13:59 IST

An Arctic blast in the US has frozen tree sap, causing immense pressure that makes trees burst with a gunshot-like sound, a phenomenon called 'frost cracking'!

Meteorologists confirm that the phenomenon of exploding trees, known as frost cracking, occurs when temperatures drop below -20°F. (AI Generated)

The United States is currently facing a severe and potentially deadly natural disaster as Arctic winds sweep across the Midwest and northern plains. Daily life has been severely disrupted, with record-breaking low temperatures affecting millions.

Across social media, videos and posts have gone viral claiming that trees are ‘exploding’ in the extreme cold. Some suggest trees are bursting like bombs. But is this real, or just an exaggeration?

The Science Behind ‘Exploding’ Trees

Meteorologists confirm that this phenomenon, known as frost cracking, occurs when temperatures drop below -20°F. The liquid inside trees, sap, which carries nutrients, begins to freeze. As water expands upon freezing, internal pressure builds up inside the trunk.

When the pressure exceeds the wood’s strength, the tree cracks suddenly, producing a loud bang similar to a gunshot.

How Frost Cracking Affects Trees

• Branches can break: Explosions may split large branches, though the entire tree rarely blows apart.
• Deep cracks in the trunk: Older trees or those with high moisture content are most vulnerable.
• Rare large breaks: In extreme cases, significant portions of the tree can snap off.

Forest health experts in Wisconsin report that the sound of frost cracking often alarms people at night, with some mistaking it for gunfire.

Record-Breaking Cold Across The Midwest

States including North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are experiencing historically low temperatures. Wind chills can drop to minus -50°F.

The National Weather Service has issued a life-threatening cold warning, affecting around 150 million people under the winter storm ‘Fern’.

Safety Precautions For Residents

Experts advise extreme caution during the Arctic blast:

• Stay away from trees; branches may fall without warning.
• Avoid going outdoors if you hear loud cracking sounds in your garden.
• Do not park cars under large or old trees to prevent damage.
• Wrap the trunks of small or young plants with burlap or cloth to protect against splitting.
• Water trees well before winter to strengthen them and reduce the risk of frost cracking.
• Limit exposure to extreme cold; even a few minutes can cause frostbite.

Role Of The Polar Vortex

The extreme cold is caused by the polar vortex, a massive ring of frigid air surrounding the North Pole. Normally contained near the Arctic, the vortex is being disrupted by global warming and climate change, allowing cold air to spill south into America’s plains.

Scientists warn that such events may become more frequent in the future, highlighting the rapid changes in our environment.

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