A major weather pattern shift will send Arctic air sweeping across much of the United States, delivering the coldest temperatures of the season so far. The chill begins this weekend and is expected to spread south and east, dropping temperatures 10 to 20 degrees below normal for areas east of the Rockies by Monday.
Cold Air Reaches Deep Into the South
By early next week, even the Gulf Coast and parts of the Southeast could see unusually cold mornings. Some cities may approach or break daily record lows as winter-like air settles in briefly.
First Snowflakes for Parts of the Midwest
The colder pattern will trigger the first chances for snow across portions of the Midwest. Lake-effect snow is likely to develop downwind of the Great Lakes, potentially bringing measurable snowfall to parts of Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. Other cities, including Chicago and Milwaukee, may see their first flurries of the season, though accumulation is expected to be light.
Weekend and Early Week Forecast Highlights
The northern Plains and Upper Midwest will feel the cold first on Saturday, with temperatures falling into the 30s for some. By Sunday, much of the central U.S. will wake up to lows in the 20s and highs that remain well below average.
Monday will be the coldest day for most areas. Cities like Nashville, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and New York could see temperatures nearly 20 degrees below normal. Morning wind chills in the East may dip into the 20s.
Cold Snap Will Be Brief
The icy blast will not last long. Temperatures are forecast to rebound quickly in the central U.S. by Tuesday, with most of the East warming back toward normal by Wednesday.
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