Yakutsk, the world's coldest city, is experiencing a record-breaking cold snap. Temperatures have plunged to minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 62.7 degrees Celsius), the coldest in more than two decades. The cold snap has caused widespread disruption, with schools and businesses closed and flights canceled.
Yakutsk is located in eastern Siberia, Russia. It is known for its extreme winters, with average temperatures in January of minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 40 degrees Celsius). The city's record low temperature is minus 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 83.9 degrees Celsius), set in 1933.
The current cold snap is the result of a combination of factors, including a strong Siberian anticyclone and a lack of precipitation. The anticyclone is a weather pattern that creates high pressure and sinking air, which traps heat in the atmosphere. The lack of precipitation means that there is no snow cover to insulate the ground, which allows the cold air to penetrate more deeply.
The cold snap has caused widespread disruption in Yakutsk. Schools and businesses have been closed, and flights have been canceled. The cold has also made it difficult for people to get around, and there have been reports of frostbite.
The cold snap is expected to continue for the next few days. The Russian government has deployed emergency crews to Yakutsk to help with the response.
Here are some interesting facts about Yakutsk:
- It is the capital of the Sakha Republic, Russia.
- It is the largest city in the Arctic Circle.
- It has a population of over 300,000 people.
- The city is located on the Lena River.
- The climate is extremely cold, with average temperatures in January of minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 40 degrees Celsius).
- The city has a rich history and culture.
- It is home to many museums and historical sites.