Frost Quakes Cause Loud Booms, Light Shaking in Bitter Cold

Meteorologists say rapidly freezing water in soil can create startling noises and vibrations.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 3:39pm

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

Why it matters

Frost quakes are a relatively rare occurrence, especially in regions like Kentucky that don't often experience the bitterly cold temperatures needed to trigger the phenomenon. While mostly harmless, the loud booms can be startling for residents, particularly when they happen at night.

The details

As the ice expands, pressure builds around the surrounding soil, causing it to crack and make booming sounds and light shaking. Meteorologists say the noises can be mistaken for other causes like exploding trees. While frost quakes are generally not a major concern, single-digit temperatures with wind chill are a bigger issue during extreme cold snaps.

  • On January 27, 2026, the National Weather Service in Louisville, Kentucky received reports of 'loud booms' associated with cryoseisms.

The players

Evan Webb

A meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Louisville, Kentucky.

National Weather Service

The government agency that monitors and reports on weather conditions in the United States.

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What they’re saying

“I think some people initially wonder if it's an exploding tree or something.”

— Evan Webb, Meteorologist

“Those loud booms aren't paranormal—they're cryoseisms (Frost Quakes)!”

— National Weather Service (Social media post)

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to the public if more frost quake activity is reported.

The takeaway

While frost quakes can be startling, they are a relatively harmless cold weather phenomenon that occurs when rapidly freezing water in the soil causes cracking and booming sounds. Residents in regions prone to extreme cold snaps should be aware of the possibility of frost quakes, but not overly concerned unless the noises are accompanied by more serious weather threats.