Flash freeze is a term used by the Meteorological Service of Canada, Canada’s version of the National Weather Service. This occurs when weather conditions produce a temperature drop resulting in rapid ice formation on road surfaces.

On the morning of December 14, 2009, Northeast Kansas experienced such an event. In the course of 3 hours, Topeka witnessed a 20° drop in air temperature as a cold front swept across the region.

Other areas witnessed more incredible drops. This caused recently melted snow to re-freeze on area highways. I watched our Capitol Federal Skycam in Topeka ice up in one hour.

It just goes to show the dramatic temperature swings this area receives this time of year.