Respuesta :
Answer:
It creates a sarcastic tone.
Explanation:
The definition of the word balmy is characterized by pleasantly warm weather. This word is used to describe the minus 20 degrees, which is horribly cold, but still not as cold as Alaska usually is. This combination of words creates a paradox - how can minus 20 degrees be balmy? It is not - the author is just being sarcastic. That's how the use of the word balmy creates a sarcastic tone.
The author's use of the word balmy affects the tone of the passage in that:
It creates a sarcastic tone.
Balmy means mild or gentle. However, the usage of this word in this sentence is sarcastic because it does not really represent the idea that the author wanted to pass.
It is ironic. Sarcasm is the use of irony to show mockery of something.
In the case above, a sarcastic tone is used because the weather was harsh and not mild. So, the opposite meaning is conveyed.
Learn more about sarcasm here:
https://brainly.com/question/2427130