#5: Caribou, Maine
iWitnessWeather contributor Kchabre
Aroostook River near Caribou, Maine.
Caribou, Maine has several factors contributing to its cold reputation.
| Average annual temperature: | 39.7 degrees |
| Subzero days/year: | 41 days |
| All-time record low: | -41 degrees |
| Average last freeze: | May 15 |
| Average first freeze: | September 24 |
| Population (2010 census): | 8189 |
The "Most Northeastern City in America" lies at almost 47 degrees north latitude, roughly the same latitude as Quebec City, and farther north than Montreal.
(MAP: See Caribou's location)
Secondly, Caribou lies in close proximity to a common reservoir of cold air, eastern Canada. When the so-called "polar vortex" sets up over Hudson Bay, repeated bouts of frigid air can be sent southward into northern Maine.
Finally, Caribou sits in the Aroostook River valley. Cold air is dense and, therefore, frequently settles in river valleys, particularly in the night and early morning hours.
Subzero cold has been measured in Caribou as early as November 21 and as late as April 2. Roughly half of the year, high temperatures don't top the freezing mark.
With all that cold air, Caribou also piles up the snow each winter. Roughly 111 inches fall each winter...that's more than nine feet.
For our number four coldest city, we head to wild, wonderful Wyoming.
