The coldest temperature on record was -55 degrees set in 1909
International Falls lived up to its title of Icebox of the Nation after Friday’s record breaking low of -46 degrees Fahrenheit.
Even though the frigid temperature didn’t cancel school, it did perk interest among national media outlets. Brian Williams mentioned Friday’s cold on NBC Nightly News and it was also chatted about on The Today Show and others.
According to Steve Gohde, the observing program leader for the National Weather Service in Duluth, the -46 degree low tied for the fifth lowest on record in the Falls. Temperature records date back to 1897 and the coldest temperature on record is -55 degrees which was recorded Jan. 6, 1909.
However, the -46 degree low reading tied for the lowest on record at the International Falls Airport. The official observing station was moved to the airport in 1939 and Friday’s temperature tied with the -46 degree reading also recorded on Jan. 6, but in 1968.
“The area had arctic pressure built up and the high pressure and cold air masses settled in Friday to cause the cold,” Gohde explained.
Many Borderland residents may have noticed ice fog hovering around the area Friday morning. Ice fog is a shallow fog consisting of suspended ice crystals. Ice fog usually only occurs when temperatures fall below -22, according to the Glossary of Meteorology.
Normally, fog consists of tiny water droplets, or supercooled water droplets. However, when temperatures are as cold as they were Friday morning in parts of northern Minnesota, it becomes too cold for liquid water to exist, and small ice crystals can develop if the amount of water vapor in the air is sufficient, according to the National Weather Service website.
Gohde said meteorologists were not surprised the temperature dipped as much as it did. In fact, he said the bright sunny day made the perfect recipe for the potentially life-threatening temperatures.
“Normally, when there is high pressure like there was on Friday, it allows for clearing,” he said. “Clear skies usually accompany record lows this time of year.”
The jury is still out for many area residents whether they would prefer snow over such cold. Luckily for some, Borderland has gotten plenty of snow, too.
Gohde said there have only been four days in January where some trace of snow hasn’t been recorded.
“The area is above average this year,” he said.
On average, January brings 11.5 inches of snow, this year, there is already 13.7 inches for the month. That 13.7 inches adds to the grand total of 62.1 inches of snow for the 2010-2011 snow season, which exceeds average values by 22.2 inches.
And there is more to come, says Gohde.
While they may be lighter, it is predicted more snowfall events are on the way for the last few days of the month and on into the first part of February.
“We’re still looking at seeing some snowfall, but they look like quick movers — no major storms are predicted at this time,” Gohde said.
