Cold Wave

Cold wave is a phenomenon associated with the winter season. It occurs when the temperature drops so low that it creates dangerous conditions. Cold waves occur when polar air masses move over the land and bring a sudden cold front with them. An example of a cold wave is the Polar Vortex of 2014. This cold wave brought record-breaking cold temperatures to many parts of the United States, reaching lows of -50°F in North Dakota. Cold waves can cause dangerous conditions, such as frostbite and hypothermia. An analogy for a cold wave is a hurricane. Just as a hurricane brings strong winds and heavy rains, a cold wave brings strong winds and freezing temperatures. Statistics show that cold waves in the United States can cause up to 2,000 deaths each year due to hypothermia and other cold-related illnesses. Fun Fact: The coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth was -128.6°F in Antarctica in 1983.