January 19th, 20th and 21st has seen record-breaking cold and ice over the years.

For instance, in 1786, the temperature dropped to -24 in Hartford, Conn.

That was the coldest temperature ever seen on a thermometer up to that time.

A sudden drop in temperature 24 years later in New Hampshire caused the deaths of three children.

The mercury fell 50 degrees in one night.

But in 1893, the temperature went in the opposite direction. In just 15 minutes, it went from five below to 37 degrees above in Montana. That’s a jump of 42 degrees.

And that's just the beginning.

For more weather history, please click the play icon in the video box to the right