What Is 2016 North American cold wave

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 North American cold wave occurred in early February, bringing record-breaking low temperatures to much of the eastern United States and Canada. Temperatures dropped as low as -37°C (-35°F) in some areas, with wind chill warnings affecting over 90 million people.

Key Facts

February 2016 saw temperatures plunge to -37°C (-35°F) in International Falls, Minnesota
Over 90 million people were under wind chill warnings during the peak of the cold wave
New York City recorded a low of -15°C (5°F), one of its coldest days in a decade
The cold wave contributed to at least 11 weather-related deaths across the U.S.
Arctic air mass originated from the polar vortex disruption over northern Canada

Overview

The 2016 North American cold wave was a severe winter weather event that gripped much of the eastern United States and parts of Canada in early February. Triggered by a southward shift of the polar vortex, it brought life-threatening cold to densely populated regions, disrupting transportation and daily life.

This cold wave was notable for its intensity and geographic reach, affecting over half the U.S. population. Meteorologists classified it as one of the most extreme Arctic outbreaks of the 2010s, with temperatures far below historical averages for early February.

February 14–20, 2016: The coldest period occurred during this week, with sustained sub-zero temperatures across the Midwest and Northeast.
International Falls, Minnesota: Recorded a low of -37°C (-35°F), earning its nickname 'Icebox of the Nation' once again.
Wind chill values: Dropped as low as -50°C (-58°F) in parts of North Dakota and northern Minnesota.
90 million people: Were under wind chill warnings or advisories issued by the National Weather Service at the peak of the event.
Flight disruptions: Over 12,000 flights were canceled across North America due to the extreme cold and icy conditions.

How It Works

The 2016 cold wave was driven by large-scale atmospheric patterns that allowed frigid Arctic air to plunge deep into North America. Understanding the mechanics behind this event requires examining key meteorological phenomena and pressure systems.

Polar vortex disruption: A weakening and splitting of the stratospheric polar vortex allowed cold air to spill southward into mid-latitudes. This shift began in late January 2016.
Jet stream pattern: A pronounced southward dip, or trough, over eastern North America funneled Arctic air as far south as Alabama and Georgia.
High-pressure system: A strong ridge over Alaska contributed to the jet stream's wavy pattern, a phenomenon linked to climate variability in the Arctic.
Surface temperatures: Dropped 20–30°C below average in regions from Winnipeg to Washington, D.C., between February 10 and 16.
Urban impact: Major cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Toronto experienced prolonged periods below -18°C (0°F), straining heating systems and infrastructure.
Duration: The cold wave lasted approximately 10 days, with gradual warming beginning February 20 as the jet stream shifted northward.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2016 cold wave compared to other major Arctic outbreaks in recent history in terms of intensity, population affected, and economic impact.

Event	Year	Lowest Temp	Population Affected	Notable Impacts
2016 North American cold wave	2016	-37°C (-35°F)	90 million	11 deaths, 12,000+ flight cancellations
2014 Polar vortex outbreak	2014	-35°C (-31°F)	180 million	$5 billion in economic losses
1994 Arctic outbreak	1994	-39°C (-38°F)	70 million	Record heating demand in Midwest
2019 Polar vortex event	2019	-34°C (-29°F)	80 million	Chicago colder than Mars
1989 Cold wave	1989	-40°C (-40°F)	60 million	National Guard deployed in several states

While not the coldest on record, the 2016 event stands out due to its timing and impact on major urban centers. Unlike earlier cold waves, modern infrastructure and forecasting helped mitigate fatalities, though economic disruptions remained significant.

Why It Matters

The 2016 cold wave underscores the vulnerability of modern society to extreme weather, even in technologically advanced nations. It also highlights the growing influence of climate change on atmospheric patterns.

Public health risks: Hypothermia and frostbite cases spiked, especially among homeless populations in cities like Chicago and Detroit.
Energy demand: Record electricity and natural gas usage strained power grids, with peak demand in PJM Interconnection exceeding 130,000 MW.
Transportation paralysis: Major highways were closed, Amtrak suspended service, and airports from Atlanta to Boston faced massive delays.
Climate connection: Scientists suggest that Arctic warming may be increasing the frequency of polar vortex disruptions, leading to more extreme cold events.
Emergency response: Cities activated extreme cold protocols, opening shelters and deploying warming buses to assist vulnerable residents.
Economic cost: Estimated losses exceeded $500 million due to business closures, travel disruptions, and infrastructure strain.

The 2016 cold wave serves as a case study in preparedness and the complex interplay between climate change and extreme weather. As such events may become more erratic, understanding their causes and impacts remains critical for future resilience.