Frost cracks appear as vertical splits in the trunk of a tree and are the result of plant tissue expansion and contraction.

From frozen iguanas falling from the sky to spinning circles of ice on rivers, rare natural events related to the weather remind us that nature doesn't always behave as expected. Whether it's ...

If you’ve been online lately, you may have seen alarming headlines claiming that “exploding trees” are waking people up across the country. The reports describe a loud bang in the middle of the night, ...

Online rumors claim extreme cold causes trees to explode, but experts say the truth is less dramatic. Freezing temperatures cause sap and moisture to contract, creating "cracking" sounds without the ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Kids enjoy the snow day to use the large hill at Henry Park in Rockville on Monday, January 26, 2026, in Vernon. (Jim ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Severe cold temperatures hitting much of the country this week could branch out − literally. As people brace for the winter ...

Chicago residents are weathering a dangerous cold snap this week — but so are the trees. After a post on X warning of “exploding trees” went viral on social media ahead of this week’s polar vortex, ...

Every time arctic air drops south, and temperatures plummet well below zero, social media lights up with a scary (and slightly cinematic) rumor called "exploding trees." Videos circulate of loud, ...

DETROIT – Parts of Michigan are at risk for “exploding trees” because of the extremely cold weather. Highs in Metro Detroit on Friday and Saturday are in the single digits, with wind chills Friday, ...

Experts say trees do not explode but can crack loudly due to rapid temperature changes. This phenomenon, known as "frost cracking," occurs when tree sap freezes and expands. Young trees, thin-barked ...

Severe cold temperatures hitting much of the country this week could branch out − literally. As people brace for the winter weather, some social media posts in recent days have warned of the chance ...