Record-Breaking Cold: US Experiences -80°F Temperatures!
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In the heart of Alaska, nestled amidst the frozen tundra, lies a place known as Prospect Creek. Despite its frigid reputation, this remote location once thrived due to mining operations[1]. Today, it stands as a testament to the extreme cold conditions possible in the United States, holding the title of the coldest place ever recorded in the country[2][3].
On a bitterly cold January day in 1971, the mercury plummeted to an astonishing -80 °F (-62.2 °C), a record that still stands today[2][3][5]. This jaw-dropping temperature was not only the coldest ever recorded in the United States but also one of the lowest temperatures ever recorded in North America.
The harsh Alaskan winter takes a toll on Prospect Creek, with daylight being a scarce commodity. In January, the town experiences only about 2 to 3 hours of daylight each day[4]. This period, known as the polar night, is a time when the sun remains below the horizon for an extended period, contributing significantly to the drastic temperature drops[4].
Outside of Alaska, Montana holds the second spot for the coldest temperature ever recorded in the United States. On January 20, 1954, the thermometer at Rogers Pass, Montana, dipped to a bone-chilling -69 °F (-56.7 °C)[3]. This record for the contiguous United States (the lower 48 states) underscores the extreme cold conditions possible even in the lower 48 states, albeit not as extreme as in Alaska.
Today, Prospect Creek is largely abandoned, with wildlife such as black bears and eagles calling it home[6]. The town's transformation from a bustling workers' settlement during the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline to a desolate, yet beautiful, wilderness serves as a stark reminder of the harsh Alaskan winter.
This record highlights the extreme cold conditions possible in the U.S., especially in Alaska, which has some of the coldest recorded temperatures in North America. As we marvel at this record, let us remember the resilience of those who once called Prospect Creek home and the awe-inspiring beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.
References:
- Trans-Alaska Pipeline System
- Prospect Creek, Alaska
- Coldest temperature in the United States
- Polar night
- List of United States temperature extremes
- Wildlife of Prospect Creek, Alaska
Various weather-forecasting models may predict dramatic fluctuations in Prospect Creek's weather, given its notorious harsh conditions. The environment in Prospect Creek, with its stark contrast between the scorching summer sun and the freezing polar nights, makes it an intriguing subject for weather researchers.
