When to Expect the Coldest Day of the Year

news image
Special Stories
4 Dec 2018 9:32 AM
[Crossing a snowy bridge. From pixabay via NOAA] [NOAA]  Many areas of the country this week will feel the coldest temperatures that have been felt since last winter. To give you a better idea of the coldest time of year for your area, NOAA has created “Coldest Day of the Year” maps across the nation. The maps are derived from the 1981–2010 U.S. Climate Normals—NCEI’s 30-year averages of climatological variables including the average low temperature for every day. From these values, scientists can identify which day of the year, on average, has the lowest minimum temperature, referred to here as the “coldest day.” The map reveals several interesting regional differences across the country. Most prominently, the western half of the contiguous United States typically reaches its climatological coldest day in December, whereas most eastern stations reach their minimum in January. In addition, areas with higher snowfall Normals, such as the Northeast and high-altitude regions in the West, tend to reach their climatological coldest day much later, which is likely because of the increased reflection of solar radiation at Earth’s surface due to the presence of snow cover.

Temperature Normals are important indicators used in forecasting and monitoring by many U.S. economic sectors. Knowing the probability of low temperatures can help energy companies prepare for rising heating demand. They are also useful planning tools for the healthcare, construction, and tourism industries. You may want to check the Normals before planning your next event or vacation.

[Average annual extreme minimum temperatures. 1976-2005] Edited for WeatherNation by Meteorologist Mace Michaels
All Weather News
More
Heavy Rain Returns to Texas This Weekend

Heavy Rain Returns to Texas This Weekend

It has been over a week since the devastating

13 Jul 2025 3:15 AM
Timeline: How Catastrophic Flooding Unfolded in Texas Hill Country

Timeline: How Catastrophic Flooding Unfolded in Texas Hill Country

TEXAS - Catastrophic flooding devastated port

13 Jul 2025 3:10 AM
Watching the Gulf and Atlantic for Tropical Development, CSU Updates Seasonal Forecast

Watching the Gulf and Atlantic for Tropical Development, CSU Updates Seasonal Forecast

BREAKING: The National Hurricane Center is no

13 Jul 2025 3:00 AM
Heavy Rain, Flooding Threat Returns to Florida

Heavy Rain, Flooding Threat Returns to Florida

Keep the rain boots handy in Florida - heavy

13 Jul 2025 2:50 AM
Building Heat for West Coast Next Week

Building Heat for West Coast Next Week

High pressure is moving off the California co

13 Jul 2025 2:50 AM
Severe Storm Risk Pushes into the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley

Severe Storm Risk Pushes into the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley

Friday was another busy day with severe weath

12 Jul 2025 8:00 PM
Storms Return From the Front Range to Texas

Storms Return From the Front Range to Texas

Moisture is moving back into the Central and

12 Jul 2025 2:50 AM