A Compendium of Errors: A Note on the Lowest Official Temperature for North America, 1910-1947

Abstract

For 37 years the lowest temperature officially accepted for North America was that of -79°F. recorded by Father Gaston Houssais, O.M.I, at Fort Good Hope, N.W.T., Canada on December 31, 1910. This was not equalled until 1947, when a corrected reading of -81°F. on February 3 at Snag, Y.T., Canada was officially accepted. An analysis of the Fort Good Hope weather records from December 29, 1910 to January 1, 1911 raises serious doubts that a temperature of -79°F. occurred during that period. ...