Social media is abuzz with the possibility of exploding trees due to extreme cold in the Upper Midwest. However, experts clarify that this phenomenon is extremely rare, similar to winning the lottery. A more common occurrence during such cold snaps is frost quakes, caused by the freezing and contraction of soil.
The internet is suddenly all abuzz over the possibility of exploding trees in the extreme cold .There are many people who have likely lived in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest their whole life and have never seen or heard anything about exploding trees .
Then comes 2026 and... the internet. The sudden interest seems to stem around a post, or a couple of posts, from different social meteorologists talking about the upcoming bitter cold for the Upper Midwest stating that exploding trees will be possible. I would wager that none of these folks have ever spent a winter in the far north. Well, don't bother hunkering down in your basement like you would during a tornado, because this isn't a widespread phenomenon. It is extremely rare. Think of this like winning the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot. While it can and does happen, it is extremely rare. During some extreme temperatures, especially with large and sudden drops or rises in or out of a deep freeze, the sap in trees can expand or contract very quickly. This could add extra pressure to the inside of the tree that it is unable to handle, leading to a sudden split, crack, or sheer of wood and bark that often comes with a loud boom.What is far more common is the phenomenon called "frost quakes." The title is a little misleading because it is not an earthquake. But it does have to do with how our soil interacts with the bitter cold. Moisture gets locked away in the soil as the ground freezes. But as temperatures continue to fall to more unusual levels of the 20s, 30s, or 40s below zero, the soil may contract enough to where the pressure on the ice in that soil eventually leads to some cracking as the soil splits. This happens in a split second, bringing a sound or "boom" along with it. If that split is large or long enough, that can lead to a significant boom that can lead to the ground shaking slightly and a large boom in areas immediately surrounding it. Does your house or apartment often creak or moan in the much colder temperatures in the winter? It likely does, even if you've never noticed. It's the same reasoning, buildings contract in the "extreme" cold, leading to those weird sounds in the coldest of temps.
Exploding Trees Extreme Cold Frost Quakes Upper Midwest Winter Weather
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Volunteers gather to plant trees in San Jose for MLK Day of ServiceEach year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, volunteers gather in San Jose to plant trees. But now, this act of service has a new sense of urgency.
Read more »
Is adapting to AI the greatest developmental pressure since we climbed down from the trees?It's think-or-swim time. AI may be our greatest evolutionary challenge since we came down from the trees. Meeting it requires wisdom and innovation.
Read more »
Canada's Carney says US-led global order, once a 'pleasant fiction', now faces 'rupture'Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney tells World Economic Forum at Davos that US-led 'rules-based international order' is over and 'will not return.'
Read more »
Trump rips 'crooked' Ilhan Omar as House ramps up investigation into exploding net worthFox News Channel offers its audiences in-depth news reporting, along with opinion and analysis encompassing the principles of free people, free markets and diversity of thought, as an alternative to the left-of-center offerings of the news marketplace.
Read more »
Star Trek's Enduring Legacy: A Six-Decade Journey Through Science FictionThis article explores the expansive history of Star Trek, a science fiction franchise that has dominated popular culture for sixty years. It examines the evolution of the brand across television, film, literature, and gaming, highlighting its success and the key factors contributing to its longevity. The piece also acknowledges creative challenges faced by the franchise, providing examples of both triumphs and setbacks, and mentions a specific season's critical reception.
Read more »
Do trees actually explode from 'extreme' cold?Can trees really explode in the extreme cold? Rumors are spreading on social media that the frigid temperatures in the Upper Midwest this week could mean exploding trees. FOX 9's Cody Matz breaks down this viral claim.
Read more »