Do trees actually explode when it gets cold?
The truth about ‘exploding’ trees during cold weather
- A dangerous winter storm is forecast to impact over 200 million Americans this weekend, threatening travel and power outages across more than two dozen states.
- A popular social media meteorologist warned of 'exploding trees' in the Midwest and Northern Plains as temperatures are expected to plummet below zero.
- Other meteorologists and experts criticised the 'exploding trees' claim as hyperbolic, clarifying that trees do not explode but can develop 'frost cracks'.
- Frost cracks occur when extreme cold causes sap inside a tree to rapidly freeze and expand, and the outer bark to contract, leading to pressure build-up and a loud splitting sound.
- While the splitting can sound like a rifle shot, actual tree explosions are considered rare, with frost cracks typically requiring temperatures of -20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.