What Is 2017-2018 North American cold wave

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017–2018 North American cold wave was a period of extreme winter weather from December 2017 to January 2018, with temperatures dropping below -30°C in parts of Canada and wind chills reaching -51°C in Manitoba.

Key Facts

Temperatures fell to -30°C in Saskatchewan and Manitoba in early January 2018
Wind chill in Winnipeg, Manitoba, dropped to -51°C on January 6, 2018
At least 22 deaths in the U.S. were linked to the cold wave between December 2017 and February 2018
The polar vortex weakened in late December 2017, allowing Arctic air to move southward
Over 40 million people across the U.S. were under wind chill warnings during peak cold in January 2018

Overview

The 2017–2018 North American cold wave was one of the most severe winter events in recent years, affecting large portions of Canada and the United States. Triggered by a disruption in the polar vortex, it brought record-breaking low temperatures and dangerous wind chills during December 2017 and January 2018.

This prolonged cold spell disrupted transportation, closed schools, and led to health emergencies across multiple regions. The event underscored vulnerabilities in infrastructure and emergency preparedness during extreme winter conditions.

Arctic air mass spread across the central and eastern U.S. in early January 2018, with temperatures 20–30°C below average in areas like Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Winnipeg, Manitoba recorded a wind chill of -51°C on January 6, 2018, prompting public health warnings and school closures.
The cold wave followed a stratospheric warming event in late December 2017, which destabilized the polar vortex and allowed frigid air to move south.
Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport canceled over 1,000 flights during the peak of the cold wave due to safety concerns and mechanical issues.
At least 22 people in the U.S. died from hypothermia or weather-related accidents between December 2017 and February 2018, according to the National Weather Service.

How It Works

The cold wave was driven by atmospheric dynamics involving the polar vortex and jet stream behavior. Understanding the meteorological mechanisms helps explain how such extreme cold reached populated areas far from the Arctic.

Polar vortex weakening: A sudden stratospheric warming event in late December 2017 caused the polar vortex to split, weakening its containment of cold air over the Arctic.
Jet stream displacement: The weakened vortex allowed the jet stream to dip sharply southward, creating a trough over central North America that funneled Arctic air into the U.S.
Surface high pressure: A strong high-pressure system over Saskatchewan in early January reinforced cold air advection, prolonging subzero temperatures across the Midwest.
Wind chill effect: With sustained winds over 30 km/h, wind chills made -25°C feel like -40°C, increasing frostbite risk within minutes of exposure.
Duration of cold: Some areas, like North Dakota and northern Ontario, experienced temperatures below -30°C for over five consecutive days.
Urban impact: Cities such as Detroit and Indianapolis saw burst water pipes and heating system failures due to the prolonged cold, affecting tens of thousands.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2017–2018 cold wave to other major winter events highlights its intensity and geographic reach.

Event	Peak Cold (°C)	Affected Population	Duration	Notable Impact
2017–2018 Cold Wave	-30°C, -51°C wind chill	Over 40 million	Dec 2017–Jan 2018	Flight cancellations, 22 deaths
1996 Arctic Outbreak	-28°C	30 million	2 weeks	Major snowstorms in Northeast
2014 Polar Vortex Event	-29°C	190 million	Jan–Feb 2014	Record lows in 20 states
1985 Cold Wave	-34°C	25 million	Jan 1985	Coldest January on record in parts of U.S.
2021 Texas Freeze	-11°C	10 million	Feb 2021	Power grid failure, 246 deaths

The 2017–2018 event was less widespread than the 2014 polar vortex but more intense in central Canada. Unlike the 2021 Texas freeze, which caused catastrophic infrastructure failure, the 2017–2018 wave primarily tested emergency response and public health systems in colder-adapted regions.

Why It Matters

Extreme cold events like the 2017–2018 cold wave have lasting implications for climate science, public policy, and infrastructure planning. They reveal how climate variability can produce severe winter weather even amid long-term warming trends.

Climate change connection: Research suggests that Arctic warming may increase the frequency of polar vortex disruptions, potentially leading to more cold waves in mid-latitudes.
Public health risks: Prolonged exposure to cold increases risks of hypothermia and cardiovascular stress, especially among the elderly and unhoused populations.
Transportation disruption: Over 2,000 flights were canceled across North America, highlighting aviation’s vulnerability to extreme weather.
Energy demand spikes: Natural gas usage surged, with record highs in consumption reported in Ontario and the Midwest during January 2018.
School and business closures: Thousands of schools and businesses shut down for multiple days, impacting education and the economy.
Emergency preparedness: The event prompted reviews of extreme cold response protocols in cities like Chicago and Toronto.

Understanding the 2017–2018 cold wave helps improve forecasting, resilience, and public awareness for future extreme weather events, especially as climate patterns continue to shift.