It's So Cold in Nantucket This Ocean Wave Is Nearly Frozen

If you’re a New Englander, you can either appreciate this as a rare phenomenon or bemoan it as another reminder of the historic cold that’s saturated the region.

Nantucket photographer Jonathan Nimerfroh recently shot incredible photos of nearly frozen waves on the island. He said the water had the consistency of a Slurpee.

In an email to Patch, Nimerfroh shared how he came across the waves:

When I pulled up to the beach I could see the horizon just look strange. When I got to the top off the dunes I see that about 300 yards out from the shoreline the ocean was starting to freeze.

The high temp that day was around 19 degrees. The wind was howling from south west which would typically make rough or choppy conditions not so good for surfing but since the surface of the sea was frozen slush the wind did not chance the shape. They were perfect dreamy slush waves. Most waves were around 2 feet with some larger sets slushing thru around 3 foot or waist high. What an experience to be absolutely freezing on the beach watching these roll in while I mind surfed them. I wonder if a shaper can make me a special designed slurfboard?

The next day I drive up to see if things melted but that same 300 yards out of water froze solid on the surface. No waves at all. Ive been asking all the fishermen and surfers if they have ever seen such a thing. This is a first they all said.

Jonathan Nimerfroh (Credit: jdnphotography.com)

• On Instagram: @jdnphotography

New England has experienced record cold and snow this winter. Boston this week crossed the 100-inch snow mark for only the second time since records started. Wind chill values have regularly dipped into subzero territory—even plunging to as low as -35 degrees.

For those yearning for warmer weather, Daylight Saving Time is a little over a week away.