The country is preparing for its first significant arctic outbreak of the season, as frigid temperatures sweep across the eastern United States. This weather can lead to “dangerously cold” wind chills, with some areas of the northern Plains and Upper Midwest facing conditions that feel like 15 to 30 degrees below zero.
As a winter storm moves out of the Northeast after Thanksgiving, it brings along arctic air from Canada, causing temperatures to drop even into the Southeast. Predictions indicate that well over 200 million people will experience below-average temperatures on Black Friday.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Weather Prediction Center warns that wind chills in the northern Plains and Upper Midwest could easily fall below zero. States like North Dakota and Minnesota are particularly at risk, with temperatures possibly plummeting to between -30 and -40 degrees when wind chill is factored in. It’s crucial for residents in these cold areas to protect their skin, as these conditions can lead to hypothermia and frostbite.
Temperatures in the northern Plains could drop below -10°F, and with wind chills, can feel around -20°F or even colder. The coldest days are expected from Sunday into Monday. Moving further south in the Midwest, temperatures may reach the teens, and wind chills could dip to near -10°F, marking some of the coldest air of the season for many regions.
As a powerful arctic front moves through the region early next week, wind speeds are expected to increase significantly. For those traveling during this cold snap, it is wise to prepare a winter survival kit.
Southern regions, including the Southeast and South-Central parts of the U.S., should also brace for chilly conditions as November draws to a close. Many areas may experience their first freeze of the season.
The cold air is set to impact the Great Lakes region, where warmer water temperatures currently exist. The interaction of warm water and cold air is expected to create prolonged lake-effect snowstorms, beginning this weekend and continuing into the following week.
Significant snowfall is anticipated across parts of western New York, far northwestern Pennsylvania, and northeastern Ohio, with nearly 1.5 million people under Lake-Effect Snow Warnings. National Weather Service forecasters expect consistent snowfall from Friday through at least Monday, which may cause travel disruptions, particularly on major highways like Interstate 90 between Cleveland and Buffalo, and Interstate 81 north of Syracuse.
As winter weather settles in, it becomes essential to stay informed and prepared.
