URGENT UPDATE: A powerful Arctic blast is set to plunge temperatures across the central, eastern, and southern United States, impacting over 100 million Americans this weekend and into early next week. This cold front, originating from Canada, is expected to deliver record-breaking temperatures, widespread frost, and the season’s first significant snowfall.
Meteorologists warn that the cold could be so severe that it may challenge records dating back to the 1800s. According to meteorologist Ryan Maue, “The U.S. is skipping fall and going right to winter on the 10th of November.” Areas could see temperatures plummet by as much as 20 to 30 degrees below average, with some regions experiencing wind chills in the single digits.
By Monday, temperatures in parts of the Southeast are forecast to drop as low as in Nuuk, Greenland, with highs in Atlanta expected to hover around the mid-40s—over 20 degrees below normal. This is a stark contrast to even colder temperatures expected in the Midwest, where daytime highs could drop into the 30s and 40s.
The Midwest will be among the first to feel the harsh conditions, with blustery winds making it feel even colder. On Sunday morning, states like Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota may see wind chills drop below 10°F. In Chicago, forecasters caution residents of an “early taste of winter,” warning of potential travel hazards due to lake-effect snow.
In Michigan, residents are bracing for the “first measurable snow of the winter season,” particularly around Mount Pleasant, where accumulations could reach over an inch. Ohio cities are also expected to see light snow showers through Monday.
The National Weather Service in Indianapolis has advised residents to prepare for “wintry days” next week, with lows expected below 25°F and wind chills between 10°F and 15°F. As the freeze continues, it could mark the definitive end of the growing season in regions that have yet to experience a hard freeze.
While the northern states will face the brunt of the cold, the Southeast will not be spared. Officials report temperatures could plunge 15 to 25 degrees below historical norms by Monday. Huntsville, Alabama, and Savannah, Georgia, could set records from over a century ago.
The Northeast will begin to feel the impacts next week, with the coldest temperatures arriving after a spell of rain. Parts of New Jersey are already under frost advisories. The Washington, D.C., metro area is expected to have milder temperatures this weekend, but forecasters warn of a sharp drop soon after.
For those in the affected regions, it’s crucial to protect outdoor plumbing and sensitive plants to mitigate damage from the impending freeze. As the Arctic air continues to surge southward, residents across the nation are urged to stay vigilant and prepare for an unprecedented weather event.
Stay tuned for further updates as this Arctic outbreak develops.
