Baltimore, Maryland – Residents across central and western Maryland may soon hear sudden, explosive noises in the middle of the night as a sharp blast of Arctic cold settles over the region. State geologists and meteorologists say the sounds are likely caused by frost quakes, a rare but startling winter phenomenon that can rattle homes and shake the ground.
What Are Frost Quakes and Why They Happen
Frost quakes, also known as cryoseisms, occur when the ground freezes extremely fast. After rain or melting snow soaks into the soil, a rapid temperature drop causes the trapped water to freeze and expand. This expansion builds pressure underground until the soil or rock suddenly cracks, releasing energy in a loud boom similar to thunder or an explosion.
Unlike earthquakes, frost quakes are shallow events that happen near the surface. They do not register on seismic equipment and do not cause structural damage to buildings, but they can be intense enough to shake houses, rattle windows, and startle sleeping residents.
Why Maryland Is at Risk This Week
Meteorologists say conditions across Maryland are ideal for frost quakes over the next several nights. Forecasts show temperatures dropping sharply from the upper 30s and low 40s into the teens and 20s within hours, particularly after sunset.
A key factor increasing the risk is the lack of insulating snow cover. When the ground is bare, cold air can penetrate quickly, freezing soil moisture before it has time to drain or freeze gradually. Areas most likely to experience frost quakes include Baltimore, Frederick, Hagerstown, and surrounding communities.
When Frost Quakes Are Most Likely to Occur
Frost quakes typically happen during the coldest part of the night, most often between midnight and early morning. Calm nights with clear skies increase the risk because temperatures fall faster without cloud cover trapping heat.
Residents may hear a single loud boom or multiple cracking sounds. Some people report feeling a brief vibration similar to a truck passing by or nearby construction blasting.
Are Frost Quakes Dangerous?
Experts emphasize that frost quakes are not dangerous and do not pose the same risks as earthquakes. However, they can cause minor surface effects, including:
- Small cracks in driveways or sidewalks
- Frost heaves in yards or gardens
- Shifting of loose stones or soil near foundations
Homes, roads, and underground utilities are generally not at risk.
How Homeowners Can Reduce Potential Impacts
While frost quakes cannot be prevented, homeowners can take steps to limit minor damage:
- Ensure proper drainage around the home
- Direct downspouts away from foundations
- Fill existing cracks in driveways and walkways before deep freezes
- Avoid excessive watering of soil during cold snaps
Good drainage reduces the amount of water available to freeze underground.
What to Do If You Hear a Loud Boom
If you hear a sudden explosion-like noise during a freezing night and there are no signs of an accident or emergency, it is likely a frost quake. Authorities advise residents to remain calm and check for minor surface cracks once daylight returns.
Emergency services generally do not need to be contacted unless there is visible damage or another clear safety concern.
What Maryland Residents Should Expect
As the cold air mass tightens its grip on the state, more reports of unexplained booms are expected across central and western Maryland. These sounds may be alarming, but they are simply the frozen ground reacting to rapid temperature changes.
If you are awakened by a thunderous crack on a quiet winter night, it is not construction or fireworks — it is Maryland’s soil snapping under extreme cold.
Share your experiences in the comments below.
