New Hampshire’s Historic Low Temperature Is So Cold It’s Hard to Believe

There have been times as residents in New England that we are asked, "How do you live in a place where the temperatures are so cold it makes your face hurt?"

Our answer is usually something like, "You get used to it," or "it's not really that cold."

However, when we look back on the coldest day in New Hampshire's history, it's hard to even believe we survived.

Mount Washington's Coldest Temperature

With an elevation of 6,288 feet, we have heard about the temperatures on top of Mount Washington being extremely cold, but back on February 6, 2023, the wind chill temperature on top of the mountain was -108 degrees. The coldest ever recorded.

RELATED:  This NH County is Ranked #1 Snowiest in the U.S.

Francis Tarasiewicz, meteorologist at the Mount Washington Observatory, spoke with Fox Weather about the chilly temps. 

Just being on top of the mountain is exciting enough, but with an event like this, it's truly riveting.  The staff leaves the confines of the observatory every hour to check on things, but they could only be outside for a couple of minutes with that weather.

With wind chills that extreme, the sound it makes is like a freight train coming through.

There is a Smell That Goes Along With Extreme Cold in New England

New Englanders know the smell of extreme cold.  Imagine your nose filled with the purest air, without any pollution.  That smell is pretty common, however, the weather people at Mount Washington Observatory said that when it gets that cold, it smells like chlorine.

There is nothing like being at the top of Mount Washington.  It is one of the most stunning places on the planet.  If you have the chance to go, don't hesitate.  I would wait, however, until you get a nice day.  Even then, bring a jacket.  It's always cold at the top.