Frost quakes cause loud booms, light shaking when bitterly cold temperatures persist

By ISABELLA O’MALLEY

Meteorologists say that water rapidly freezing in the soil amid bitterly cold temperatures can make a startling noise and even cause small vibrations.

Related Articles


Snow protects your garden beds like winter mulch. Trees might need some help though


More bald eagles are being spotted in CT this year. Here’s why and where you can see one


CT town has concerns about planned 4.65-megawatt solar array. A treasured scenic view is one of them


Paralyzing winter storms put a big chill on US economy, but how much?


Experts talk CT strategies for renewable energy in shifting federal landscape

These noises are known as frost quakes or cryoseisms, a cold-weather phenomenon that occurs when rain or melted snow in the ground quickly freezes, expanding as it solidifies, when temperatures rapidly fall below freezing. As the ice expands, pressure builds around the surrounding soil, causing it to crack and make booming sounds and light shaking.

Evan Webb, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Louisville, Kentucky, said the office has received reports of “loud booms” that are associated with cryoseisms during bitter cold weather.

“I think some people initially wonder if it’s an exploding tree or something,” he said.

Webb said frost quakes are “relatively rare, especially in Kentucky … we don’t get quite cold enough very often to have saturated soil in the winter time to be able to freeze that quickly.”

Webb said frost quakes are “mostly harmless” and single-digit temperatures with a wind chill are a bigger concern.

The weather service office notes in a social media post that the noises can be startling, especially when they happen at night, but they’re generally not a cause for concern.

“Those loud booms aren’t paranormal—they’re cryoseisms (Frost Quakes)!” the post reads.

The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

https://www.courant.com/2026/01/27/frost-quakes/