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 is expected to bring widespread snow,

The internet is buzzing with talk of “exploding trees.” While it makes for a snappy headline, meteorologist Brendan Johnson explains why it’s just more misleading clickbait.

We're not even one month into 2026, and with everything that's happening, now we have to deal with exploding trees? No, not entirely. But a sudden deep freeze is going to send temperatures plummeting in much of Canada and the U.

As more than half of the United States braces for a powerful winter storm, some meteorologists are warning on social media that “exploding trees” are possible.

Experts say it’s extremely rare, but not completely unheard of.

While the Wisconsin DNR says ‘exploding’ may be an exaggeration, there is a risk for frost cracking. That happens when the sap inside a tree gets below freezing, and expands.