Cold fronting.

The article focuses on the phenomenon of "exploding trees," scientifically known as frost cracks, which occur when rapid temperature fluctuations cause water inside tree cells to freeze and expand, leading to splits in the wood. Alistair Reynolds, information and education manager at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry, explains that trees undergo a cold acclimation process in fall to survive winter, but sudden warming followed by freezing can cause pressure buildup and cracking, especially on the south or southwest sides of trees. Frost cracks are more common in younger trees and species with thin bark, such as maples, beech, and birch, and while they can cause structural damage, trees often recover. The article also contextualizes this natural event within the recent extreme cold and snow conditions in Ohio, highlighting the broader impacts of winter weather on both nature and local residents.