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What is the coldest day of the year? Mid-January represents statistically the most frigid time of year
Seasonal lag causes temperatures to reach their lowest point weeks after the solstice, with snow cover and Arctic air intensifying cold in most U.S. states, meteorologists said.
- Mid-January marks the coldest period for most U.S. states as temperature averages typically bottom out weeks after the Winter Solstice on December 21 due to seasonal lag.
- Because land and oceans take time to cool and warm, heat loss rises in December and continental interiors show stronger seasonal lag than coastal areas, reinforcing colder January averages.
- Snow cover amplifies cold as widespread January snow raises albedo, long winter nights increase radiational cooling, and the polar jet stream pulls Arctic air southward, especially in higher elevations and mountainous regions.
- Lingering snow, cold oceans and persistent jet-stream patterns can prolong below-average temperatures into early spring, although Arctic outbreaks may still occur in February, average temperatures generally rise after mid-January.
- Although days lengthen after December 21, incoming solar radiation vs outgoing heat causes net heat loss to continue into January, while early-winter atmospheric circulation and geography reinforce cold pooling.
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Total News Sources16
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center15Last UpdatedBias Distribution94% Center
Bias Distribution
- 94% of the sources are Center
94% Center
C 94%
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