At the turn of the year, winter storm Blair swept a flurry of ice, snow and freezing temperatures across the United States. Lows of 0 degree Fahrenheit (-18 degree Celsius) forced hundreds of thousands indoors and put life itself on the cooler.
While most Americans stayed indoors (and rightly so), residents of the coldest inhabited city on earth would have gladly taken the opportunity to enjoy the warmth while it's still around.
That is because in Oymyakon -- in eastern Russia -- temperatures routinely drop below -58 degrees Fahrenheit (-50 degree Celsius).
This remote Siberian village is no stranger to extremes. In 1933, it set a record low of -96.2 degrees Fahrenheit (-71.2 degrees Celsius), a chilling testament to its moniker as the "Pole of Cold."
Yet, life here persists.
Nestled in the Sakha Republic, Oymyakon's history as a settlement dates back to the early 20 century, when it served as a stopover for reindeer herders drawn to the area's thermal spring -- ironically, the source of the village's name, which translates to "unfrozen water."
Today, this icy outpost hosts around 500 to 1,000 hardy residents, primarily Yakuts, and is accessible via the treacherous "Road of Bones" from Yakutsk, which is 576 miles away.
Life in Oymyakon revolves around battling the cold.
Homes are heavily insulated, often with double walls, but plumbing is virtually nonexistent -- pipes freeze too easily in the permafrost. Most residents rely on outhouses for toilets.
Cars are another challenge -- engines must be kept running, even overnight, or housed in heated garages to prevent the machinery from freezing solid. Fuel consumption doubles in the cold, making transportation a logistical feat.
For sustenance, residents turn to cattle farming, hunting and fishing. Yakut cows, bred to endure harsh climates, are a cornerstone of the local diet. The cold also dictates daily routines -- from carefully timed outdoor activities to wrapping every inch of exposed skin to avoid frostbite in seconds.
To fully grasp Oymyakon's conditions, consider this: exposed skin can freeze within minutes at these temperatures. Even breathing the icy air can be painful. The human body faces immense physiological stress in such an environment, yet adaptation has allowed the Yakuts to endure.
Research into Arctic and subarctic populations has revealed fascinating biological adaptations to extreme cold.
For instance, the Inuit's genetic makeup includes variations that enhance fat metabolism and heat retention, helping them survive in freezing conditions.
The Yakuts have likely developed a similarly heightened cold tolerance through generations of selective pressures. Their bodies may generate more heat and retain it better through compact builds and increased basal metabolic rates.
Even short-term exposure to such cold can drive dramatic responses in the average human. Blood flow is redirected to vital organs, while extremities receive less circulation, increasing the risk of frostbite.
However, the habitual exposure the Yakuts face has led to physiological acclimatization, such as improved cold-induced vasodilation -- a mechanism that allows blood to flow to extremities despite freezing temperatures.
Survival in Oymyakon is as much about ingenuity and tradition as it is about biology.
Heating is paramount; homes rely on coal-fired stoves or wood-burning heaters, consuming vast quantities of fuel. Firewood is carefully rationed, with some households burning through 100 cubic meters of larch annually.
In emergencies, flamethrowers are used to thaw frozen vehicles or equipment -- a standard tool in this extreme environment.
Clothing plays a critical role. Fur-lined boots made from reindeer hide and coats of thick animal pelts are staples. These garments provide insulation unmatched by synthetic materials, and layering is key.
Local diets also reflect the demands of the climate. High in protein and fat, meals often include frozen fish, reindeer meat and horse liver -- foods that provide the caloric density needed to fuel the body's constant battle against the cold.
Social structures adapt as well. Community efforts are essential for survival -- from shared resources like heated garages to collective snow-clearing efforts. Local schools remain open unless temperatures dip below - 52 degrees Celsius (-61.6 degrees Fahrenheit).
Even in such severe weather, life goes on.
Living in Oymyakon is a testament to human resilience and adaptability. For outsiders, Oymyakon's unyielding cold might seem insurmountable. But for those who call it home, it is simply life -- brutal, beautiful and a constant dance with the elements.
So, while most of us might struggle in the freezing cold, the people of Oymyakon remind us of humanity's incredible ability to endure, adapt and even flourish in the face of nature's harshest trials.