History logo
Content warning
This story may contain sensitive material or discuss topics that some readers may find distressing. Reader discretion is advised. The views and opinions expressed in this story are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Vocal.

The Most Extreme Cold Scenarios Ever

The Most Extreme Cold Scenarios Ever

By JHAY EMPublished 2 years ago 3 min read
The Most Extreme Cold Scenarios Ever
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Extreme cold scenarios can be some of the most challenging and life-threatening situations that humans can encounter. Here are some of the most extreme cold scenarios ever recorded:

Antarctica: Antarctica is a continent capped by an inland ice sheet up to 4.8km thick, containing approximately 90% of the world's total surface fresh water (and 60% of the world's total fresh water). The ice sheet is so heavy that it has pushed the land below sea level in places.The coldest continent on Earth, Antarctica experiences some of the harshest cold conditions. In July 1983, the lowest temperature ever recorded on the planet was measured at the Soviet Union's Vostok Station in Antarctica, reaching a bone-chilling -128.6°C (-89.5°F).

Siberian Winter:It is true to say, though, that December, January and February tend to be the coldest months with temperatures at least a few degrees below zero all over the territory of Russia. Middle of the country gets ‑10 to ‑15 C most of the time. Moving deeper into the Siberia, the average is usually ‑15 to ‑25 C. The Siberian region of Russia is notorious for its extreme cold. In some areas, temperatures can plummet to well below -50°C (-58°F) during winter, making it one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth.

Oymyakon, Russia: This small rural town in Siberia holds the record for the coldest inhabited place on Earth. On February 6, 1933, a temperature of -67.7°C (-89.9°F) was recorded in Oymyakon.How do people survive the cold in Oymyakon?

To cope with the harsh weather, residents of Oymyakon use outhouses as indoor plumbing tends to freeze. Cars are heated in garages or can be left running all the time, according to AccuWeather. And because the ground is too frozen for crops to grow, residents rely on a largely meat-based diet.

Mount Everest: The highest peak in the world, Mount Everest, is a deadly cold environment. At the summit, temperatures can drop to -40°C (-40°F) or even lower, making it an extremely challenging place for climbers.What is called Mount Everest?

Therefore, the historic, local Tibetan name for Mount Everest is Chomolungma, also spelled Qomolangma, meaning "Goddess Mother of the World." Chomolungma is pronounced "CHOH-moh-LUHNG-m?." The Nepali name for Mount Everest is Sagarmatha, meaning "Godess of the Sky." Some refer to the entire massif of peaks as ...

North Pole: Instead it's all ice that's floating on top of the Arctic Ocean. Over the past four decades, scientists have seen a steep decline in both the amount and thickness of Arctic sea ice during the summer and winter months. The Arctic region is known for its severe cold, and the North Pole experiences frigid temperatures. Winter temperatures can fall to around -40°C (-40°F), creating a hostile environment for explorers.

South Pole:The South Pole is the southernmost point on Earth. It is the precise point of the southern intersection of Earth's axis and Earth's surface. From the South Pole, all directions are north.Although not as cold as the coldest parts of Antarctica, the South Pole is still an incredibly harsh and cold environment. Temperatures here can reach as low as -73.8°C (-100.8°F).

Snag, Yukon, Canada: Snag is a village located on a small, dry-weather sideroad off the Alaska Highway, 25 kilometres (16 mi) east of Beaver Creek, Yukon, Canada. On February 3, 1947, Snag, a small village in Yukon, Canada, experienced a temperature of -63°C (-81.4°F), setting the record for the lowest temperature ever recorded in continental North America.

Vostok, Russia:Vostok, any of a series of manned Soviet spacecraft, the initial flight of which carried the first human being into space. Launched on April 12, 1961, Vostok 1, carrying cosmonaut Yury A. Gagarin, made a single orbit of Earth before reentry. Not to be confused with the Vostok Station in Antarctica, the Russian town of Vostok experienced a record temperature of -67.6°C (-89.7°F) on December 31, 1968.

Greenland: Greenland, Kalaallisut Kalaallit Nunaat, the world's largest island, lying in the North Atlantic Ocean. Greenland (Kalaallit Nunaat) is noted for its vast tundra and immense glaciers. Although Greenland remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark, the island's home-rule government is responsible for most domestic affairs.Greenland is the world's largest island, and during its harsh winters, temperatures can drop well below -30°C (-22°F) in many areas.

Winter in Alaska:In the heart of Alaska, winter starts in October and doesn't end until May. Winter is extremely cold and long. That's the way people and wildlife living in Alaska seem to like it. Alaska is known for its extreme cold during winter, with temperatures regularly falling to below -40°C (-40°F) in some regions.

It's important to note that extreme cold can pose severe risks to human health and survival. Proper preparation, clothing, and shelter are essential when dealing with such extreme cold scenarios. Traveling or living in these areas requires significant planning and precautions to ensure safety and well-being.

AnalysisAncientDiscoveriesEventsFictionNarrativesResearchTrivia

About the Creator

JHAY EM

Why working out is great for health, but not for weight loss, explained in five minutes.

Are you ready to start losing weight at home?

Ways to Lose Weight Without Exercise.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.