Overview
- A viral graphic from social media meteorologist Max Velocity warned of “exploding trees” Friday and Saturday as readings near 20 below zero spread across the Midwest and Northern Plains.
- Scientists say the noise comes from frost cracking, when sap and moisture freeze, expand, and split bark or wood during sharp temperature drops, especially on clear, calm nights.
- Species such as maple, ash, apple and crabapple, poplar and cottonwood, willow, oak, and younger thin‑barked trees are more susceptible to cracking.
- Local meteorologists emphasize the phenomenon is rare and note that many booms are instead frost quakes or buildings contracting in extreme cold.
- WCCO’s Mike Augustyniak adds that Minnesota trees likely froze weeks ago, so an additional fall from roughly -3 to -20 degrees may not greatly increase cracking risk, while authorities stress standard cold‑weather precautions.