Sign 2: Sudden and Drastic Temperature Changes
Another cornerstone of paranormal investigation is the “cold spot.” This is described as a localized area that is noticeably colder than its immediate surroundings, with no apparent physical cause. A person might be walking down a hallway and suddenly feel a chill, as if they have stepped into a walk-in freezer, only to have the sensation vanish a few steps later.
The prevailing theory within the paranormal community is that spirits require energy to manifest or interact with the physical world. To get this energy, they allegedly draw heat from the surrounding environment, resulting in a measurable drop in temperature. This idea has made thermometers, particularly infrared and thermal imaging cameras, essential tools for the modern ghost hunter. They use these devices to scan rooms, looking for temperature anomalies that defy conventional explanation.
The cold spot is a powerful element in haunted house lore, appearing frequently in Gothic literature and horror films. It provides a physical sensation to accompany the psychological feeling of unease, making the presence of a ghost feel more tangible and immediate. For investigators, a documented temperature drop of ten or twenty degrees in a matter of seconds serves as a compelling piece of data, suggesting an unseen force is at work.
However, physics and building science offer several plausible explanations for these sensations. The temperature in any given room is rarely uniform. Air moves in currents, a process known as convection. Cold air is denser than warm air and tends to sink. A draft from a poorly sealed window, a vent from an air conditioning system, or even a gap in insulation within a wall can create a pocket of cold air that a person can walk through.
These drafts can be subtle and not immediately obvious. An old house with single-pane windows and numerous small cracks can have a complex and unpredictable airflow. Furthermore, different materials in a room hold and release heat at different rates. A section of wall with a stone fireplace behind it will feel colder than an insulated interior wall, even if the ambient room temperature is the same.
The human element is also a powerful factor. The feeling of being cold is highly subjective and can be influenced by our psychological state. If a person is already frightened or on high alert, their body might produce a physiological response—like goosebumps—that they interpret as a drop in external temperature. The power of suggestion is strong; if a paranormal investigator announces that a particular corner of a room is known for being cold, others are more likely to perceive a chill when they enter that space.
