Nature is such an intriguing thing especially when weather is concerned. Whether hot or cold, there are things that happen that leave us in awe and wonder. Frost quakes are one of those things.

What is a frost quake? Well, you might now necessarily feel it but you will hear it. Feeling a frost quake can't be ruled out though, it does happen.

trash can standing in lots of snow
Getty Images/iStockphoto
loading...

Yes, frost quakes are in fact real and happen in Illinois. Truth be told, they can happen anywhere temperatures dip extremely and dangerously low.

Snow, Winter, Mountain Climbing, Fur Hat, Snowflake, full beard
Getty Images
loading...

Frost quakes are something that happens in the dark but there isn't a reason to be fearful.

If it were to happen expect it to occur between midnight and 3 in the morning when temperatures are at the coldest.

Is it because of snow?

No, in fact, if there is already snow on the ground this rare activity is even rarer.

Hailstorm
CristiNistor
loading...

For a frost quake to happen there needs to be no snow on the ground. There needs to be a lot of rain at once and it needs to absorb into the ground quickly.

Shortly after the rain is soaked into the ground it needs to be wicked cold so the water will freeze.

Environment and Climate Change Canada via YouTube
Environment and Climate Change Canada via YouTube
loading...

By "wicked cold" means extreme cold, sub-zero temperatures, -20 to -30 degrees.

Snap, crackle, pop.

What happens when rain in the ground has nowhere to go and it freezes?

Environment and Climate Change Canada via YouTube
Environment and Climate Change Canada via YouTube
loading...

The water expands and needs somewhere to go so it forces pressure on the ground around it. And, boom, snap, crackle, pop.

This act of nature is not dangerous and rarely involves any risks.

If you're curious about the sound of a frost quake watch this.

KEEP READING: Get answers to 51 of the most frequently asked weather questions...

 

27 Best Places for Hot Soup on a Cold Day in Illinois

Looking for the best soup in Illinois? Look no further. These 27 places have the best soup reviews in the entire state.

More From Rockford's New Country Q98.5