The Arctic Blast & ‘Exploding Trees’: Fact vs. Clickbait

MINNEAPOLIS, MN—A viral post on X by meteorologist “Max Velocity” on January 21, 2026, has amassed over 9 million views after warning that trees in the Midwest and Northern Plains could “explode” this Friday and Saturday.

While the term sounds like a scene from a disaster movie, experts say the phenomenon—while real—is being significantly overhyped for social media clicks.

1. What is an ‘Exploding Tree’?

In forestry, this is known as “frost cracking” or a “cryoseismic boom.” It is not a chemical explosion, but a physical one.

• The Science: Trees contain sap, which is mostly water. When temperatures drop rapidly, that sap freezes. Because water expands when it turns to ice, it creates immense internal pressure.
• The “Bang”: If the pressure exceeds the strength of the wood, the bark and trunk split open vertically. This release of energy creates a loud, sharp sound similar to a gunshot or a firework.
• The Damage: Despite the name, the tree doesn’t “shatter.” It usually results in a long vertical scar. While it sounds violent, the tree often survives and “heals” over the following summer.

2. Why Experts Aren’t Panicking for the Midwest

WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak and other local experts have moved to calm the “viral panic” in places like Minnesota and the Dakotas.

• Acclimation is Key: “Exploding” usually happens during a sudden cold snap after a warm period (like in Texas during 2021). In the Midwest, it has been cold for weeks; the water in the trees is likely already frozen and the trees are dormant.
• The Threshold: While -20°F is the “danger zone” for frost cracks, the shift from -5°F to -20°F isn’t enough to cause a new “explosion” if the tree is already prepared for winter.
• Clickbait Alert: Augustyniak labeled the viral post as “definitely clickbait,” noting that widespread forest “explosions” are extraordinarily rare in regions where trees have evolved for Arctic air.

3. The Real Threat: The 2026 Polar Vortex

While your trees likely won’t blow up, the cold is still dangerous. The Polar Vortex is expected to impact roughly 170 million people this weekend.