A Historic December-Like Cold Wave to Impact Eastern US
Prepare for the coldest temperatures of the season along with snowfall across the eastern United States. This weekend, the first significant outbreak of Arctic air will spread into the eastern two-thirds of the country.
The cold wave will bring record-setting temperatures for mid-November, plunging as much as 30 °F below normal. Freeze conditions are expected to reach as far south as Florida, impacting tens of millions of people with unusually cold weather reminiscent of December.
Snowfall and Weather Patterns
The Great Lakes region will experience the first major snowfall of the season. Lake-effect snow will dump up to two feet in some areas, creating significant winter conditions.
Satellite images show two deep mid-latitude low-pressure systems over the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, while an Arctic cold pool begins to build over Canada. This cold air mass will gradually move southward toward the U.S.-Canada border by Friday.
Weekend Developments
A strong atmospheric block will form over the western United States, allowing the Arctic air mass to push far south into the eastern U.S. This creates a classic dipole weather pattern that facilitates a rapid plunge of historic cold from Canada into the Midwest, mid-Mississippi Valley, and Southeast.
Regional Outlook
The forecast highlights major temperature drops in locations such as Joplin, Missouri, and Atlanta, Georgia, illustrating the wide-reaching impact of this cold wave.
“The cold wave will bring the coldest temperatures of the fall season so far, with areas experiencing historic cold for mid-November.”
“Temperatures will plunge to near 30 °F below normal, with freeze reaching deep South and Florida.”
“The first significant snowfall will blanket the Great Lakes, with massive lake-effect snow dumping up to two feet of snow in some areas.”
Author's summary: A powerful and historic Arctic cold wave is forecast to spread through the eastern U.S., bringing record low temperatures and heavy early-season snowfall for millions.