In the coldest city in the world – where even boiling water can freeze in seconds – around 900 residents find … [+]
At the turn of the year, Winter Storm Blair brought a flurry of ice, snow and freezing temperatures across the United States. Lows of 0 degrees Fahrenheit (–18 degrees Celsius) forced hundreds of thousands of people indoors and left life itself in the freezer.
While most Americans stayed indoors (and rightfully 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’s because in Oymyakon – in eastern Russia – temperatures routinely drop below -58 degrees Fahrenheit (-50 degrees 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 nickname as the “Pole of Cold.”
However, life here goes on.
What does the coolest lifestyle on earth look like?
Located in the Sakha Republic, Oymyakon’s history as a settlement dates back to the early 1920sth 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 as “unfrozen water.”
Today, this icy outpost hosts some 500 to 1,000 hardy residents, mostly Yakuts, and is accessible via the treacherous “Road of Bones” from Yakutsk, which is 576 miles away.
Life in Oymyakon revolves around fighting the cold.
The houses are very insulated, often with double walls, but plumbing is practically non-existent – the pipes freeze very easily in the permafrost. Most residents rely on homes for toilets.
Cars are another challenge – engines must be kept running, even at night, or placed in heated garages to prevent the machinery from freezing. Fuel consumption doubles in the cold, making transportation a logistical feat.
Yakutian horses, cows and deer make up the majority of animals raised on farms around Oymyakon, … [+]
For food, the inhabitants turn to livestock, 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 planned outdoor activities to wrapping up every inch of exposed skin to avoid frostbite in seconds.
Extreme cold can also transform the human body
To fully understand the conditions of Oymyakon, consider this: exposed skin can freeze within minutes at these temperatures. Even breathing in icy air can be painful. The human body faces tremendous physiological stress in such an environment, yet adaptation has allowed the Yakuts to endure.
Research on arctic and subarctic populations has revealed fascinating biological adaptations to extreme cold.
For example, the genetic makeup of the Inuit includes variations that improve fat metabolism and heat retention, helping them survive freezing conditions.
The Yakuts likely developed a similar increased cold tolerance through generations of selective pressures. Their bodies can generate more heat and store it better through compact builds and increased basal metabolic rates.
Even short-term exposure to such cold can produce dramatic reactions in the average person. Blood flow is redirected to vital organs, while limbs receive less circulation, increasing the risk of frostbite.
However, regular exposure to the face of the Yakuts has led to physiological acclimatization, such as enhanced cold-induced vasodilation—a mechanism that allows blood to flow to the extremities despite freezing temperatures.
However, the people of Oymyakon do not depend on biology alone to survive
Survival in Oymyakon is as much about ingenuity and tradition as it is about biology.
Warming up is paramount; homes rely on coal stoves or wood heating, consuming large amounts of fuel. Firewood is carefully rationed, with some families burning 100 cubic meters of larch per year.
In emergencies, flamethrowers are used to thaw frozen vehicles or equipment – a standard tool in this extreme environment.
Clothing plays a critical role. Furry boots made from deerskin and clothing made from thick animal skins are staples. These garments offer insulation unmatched by synthetic materials and layering is essential.
Local diets also reflect the demands of the climate. Rich in protein and fat, meals often include frozen fish, venison and horse liver – foods that provide the caloric density needed to fuel the body’s ongoing battle against the cold.
Social structures also adapt. Community efforts are essential to survival—from shared resources like heated garages to collective efforts to clear snow. Local schools remain open unless temperatures fall below -52 degrees Celsius (-61.6 degrees Fahrenheit).
Even in such harsh weather, life goes on.
Living in Oymyakon is a testament to human resilience and adaptability. To outsiders, Oymyakon’s unrelenting cold may seem insurmountable. But for those who call it home, it’s just life – brutal, beautiful and a constant dance with the elements.
So while most of us may struggle in the bitter cold, the people of Oymyakon remind us of humanity’s remarkable ability to endure, adapt and even thrive in the face of nature’s harshest trials.
The story of Oymyakon shows us how nature allows us to find a way even in the most challenging circumstances. How do you feel about our complicated relationship with the natural world? Take a 2-minute test to see where you stand Relation to the scale of nature.
