An arctic blast has sent cold air across the United States, causing trees to break suddenly in what looks like an explosion.

As temperatures plunge in Minnesota, residents are warned that the brutal cold can cause local trees to crack, especially maples and birches, putting their health at risk.

Forecasters warn an extreme winter storm could trigger rare “exploding trees” across the Upper Midwest as temperatures plunge below zero, causing sap inside trees to freeze and crack bark. The storm ...

The area could see record cold temperatures as a result of this winter storm.

When temperatures plunge and the air goes painfully still, people in northern forests sometimes hear a sharp crack that ...

With severe cold hitting much of the country, some unusual phenomena like "exploding trees" could be on the way. Here's what to know.

Learn the science behind "exploding trees," why extreme cold causes frost cracks and which species are most at risk.

Sudden or severe cold temperature can cause trees to experience "frost crack." NPR's Scott Simon talks with Bill McNee of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources about what happens and why. If a ...