The lowest wind chill ever recorded
Two-thirds of the U.S. is bracing for a massive winter storm this weekend, with some areas expected to see wind chills drop as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit.
The storm is expected to bring crippling ice to the South, a foot or more of snow to the Northeast, and bitterly cold air to parts of the Midwest beginning Friday. More than 160 million people are under winter storm or cold weather watches or warnings. A trailing blast of Arctic air from the polar vortex is expected to bring a dangerous re-freeze.
As Americans in at least 35 states prepare, here’s a look back at other record-breaking winter weather events:
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Lowest wind chill ever
Local perspective:
Mt. Washington, New Hampshire, holds the record for the lowest wind chill ever recorded in the U.S. at -108 degrees F. Mt. Washington, which boasts the "worst weather in America," set the record on Feb. 4, 2023. The previous record was held by Howard Pass, Alaska, and measured at -105 degrees, according to FOX Weather.
Lowest temperature ever recorded
By the numbers:
According to Guinness World Records, the lowest temperature ever recorded on Earth was at Russia's Vostok research station in Antarctica on July 21, 1983, when temperatures plunged to -128.6 degrees F.
Mount Washington, NH - A sign that has blown down tells hikers that Mount Washington is home to "the worst weather in America" advising them to turn back if the weather is bad. (Photo by Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Most snowfall ever recorded in 24 hours
The most snowfall that ever fell in 24 hours in the U.S. was in Silver Lake, Colorado, where a blizzard dumped 6.3 feet of snow in one day. The record was set in April 1921, Powder.com reports.
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Most snowfall during a snowstorm
According to Powder.com, the Mount Shasta Ski Bowl in California saw a record 15.75 feet of snow during a "relentless" storm in 1959. The prolonged blizzard lasted for nearly a week, from Feb. 13-19.
The Source: This article includes information from powder.com, Guinness World Records, FOX Weather, The Associated Press, and previous FOX Local reporting.