What Is 2017-18 North American cold wave

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017–18 North American cold wave was a prolonged period of extreme cold from December 2017 to January 2018, with temperatures dropping to -35°F (-37°C) in parts of North Dakota and over 1,300 daily cold records set across the U.S.

Key Facts

Temperatures fell to -35°F (-37°C) in Parshall, North Dakota, on January 31, 2018
Over 1,300 daily record lows were broken across the U.S. during the cold wave
The cold wave began in late December 2017 and lasted into early February 2018
Polar vortex disruption allowed Arctic air to move south into the central and eastern U.S.
At least 22 deaths were linked to the cold wave, primarily due to hypothermia and traffic accidents

Overview

The 2017–18 North American cold wave was one of the most intense winter weather events in recent U.S. history, marked by prolonged subzero temperatures and life-threatening wind chills. Triggered by a disruption in the polar vortex, the cold wave affected over 140 million people across the central and eastern regions of North America.

This extreme weather pattern brought blizzard conditions, school closures, and transportation disruptions. The cold wave was particularly severe in the Upper Midwest and Northeast, where many locations experienced their coldest temperatures in decades.

Parshall, North Dakota recorded a bone-chilling -35°F (-37°C) on January 31, 2018, one of the coldest readings in the nation that winter.
Over 1,300 daily record low temperatures were set across the U.S. between late December 2017 and early February 2018.
The cold wave began on December 25, 2017, when Arctic air surged southward, affecting states from Montana to Maine.
A polar vortex split in the stratosphere allowed frigid air to plunge into mid-latitudes, a phenomenon monitored by NOAA and the Weather Service.
At least 22 fatalities were attributed to the cold wave, including deaths from hypothermia, heart attacks during snow shoveling, and traffic accidents on icy roads.

How It Works

The 2017–18 cold wave was driven by atmospheric dynamics involving the polar vortex and jet stream behavior. Understanding the meteorological mechanisms helps explain why such extreme cold reached densely populated areas.

Polar Vortex: A large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding the North Pole; its weakening in December 2017 allowed Arctic air to spill southward into North America.
Jet Stream Shift: A wavy jet stream pattern developed, creating a deep trough over the eastern U.S., which funneled cold air from Canada into the Midwest and Northeast.
Arctic Outbreak: The cold wave was classified as a major Arctic outbreak, with temperatures 20–40°F below average across the Great Lakes and New England.
Wind Chill Warnings: The National Weather Service issued over 100 wind chill warnings, with wind chills reaching -50°F (-45°C), posing life-threatening conditions.
Duration: The coldest phase lasted from January 28 to February 1, 2018, with Chicago experiencing highs below 0°F for three consecutive days.
Urban Impact: Major cities like Minneapolis, Detroit, and Boston saw public transit delays, flight cancellations, and emergency shelter expansions due to the extreme cold.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2017–18 cold wave compared to other major cold events in terms of intensity, geographic reach, and societal impact.

Event	Coldest Temp	Dates	Records Broken	Fatalities
2017–18 Cold Wave	-35°F (-37°C)	Dec 2017–Feb 2018	1,300+	22
1996 Arctic Outbreak	-34°F (-37°C)	Jan 1996	~900	170
2014 Polar Vortex Event	-26°F (-32°C)	Jan 2014	1,100	12
1989 Cold Wave	-30°F (-34°C)	Jan 1989	850	50
2021 Texas Freeze	4°F (-16°C)	Feb 2021	300	250+

While the 2017–18 cold wave did not break all-time records, its widespread duration and high number of daily lows made it one of the most significant cold events of the 21st century. Unlike the 2021 Texas freeze, which caused massive infrastructure failure, the 2017–18 event tested emergency preparedness in northern cities accustomed to cold but still vulnerable to extremes.

Why It Matters

The 2017–18 cold wave highlighted the increasing volatility of winter weather patterns in a changing climate. As polar warming destabilizes the vortex, such extreme cold events may become more frequent despite overall global warming trends.

Climate Change Link: Studies suggest that Arctic warming may weaken the polar vortex, increasing the likelihood of cold air outbreaks in mid-latitudes.
Public Health: Hospitals reported spikes in frostbite and hypothermia cases, especially among homeless populations in urban centers.
Infrastructure Stress: Water pipes burst in cities like Chicago, leading to property damage and costly repairs.
Economic Impact: The cold wave disrupted supply chains, with over 10,000 flights canceled and retail sales dipping during the post-holiday period.
School Closures: More than 15,000 schools across 20 states closed temporarily, affecting millions of students and working parents.
Energy Demand: Natural gas and electricity usage spiked, with the Midwest seeing record energy consumption for heating, straining the grid.

The 2017–18 cold wave serves as a critical case study in how extreme weather can impact modern society, emphasizing the need for resilient infrastructure, climate adaptation planning, and public awareness of winter weather risks.