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By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
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Millions of Americans are bracing for a plunge in temperatures and the possibility of the season's first snowfall as a storm approaches the Eastern and Central U.S. this weekend.
"A lot of these places typically see their first snows the first or second week of November, which is pretty much right on schedule," AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines told Newsweek.
Why It Matters
A developing cold wave is poised to introduce winter-like conditions across the Midwest and East over the weekend and into next week, bringing a chance of snow to 17 states. The arrival of December-like temperatures and the season's potential first snowfall may disrupt travel, impact daily routines, and mark a significant seasonal shift for millions of Americans.
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AccuWeather meteorologists cautioned that hazardous travel, frost, and freeze risks could extend into heavily populated regions and important highway corridors over the coming days, underscoring the importance of preparation and awareness for residents and travelers in the affected states.
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What To Know
A pronounced drop in the jet stream this weekend into early next week is forecast to bring a surge of cold air and wintry precipitation to large swathes of the central and eastern United States. The cold pattern will usher in conditions reminiscent of mid-December, with feels-like temperatures expected to plunge into the single digits, teens, and 20s Fahrenheit from the northern Plains through the Midwest, Northeast, and the southern Appalachians.
Snow accumulation is most likely to begin in the Midwest, stretching to lower elevations and notable metropolitan areas before impacting portions of the Appalachians.
Major cities such as Marquette, Michigan, could see several hours of snow from Saturday evening through Monday, while places like Minneapolis may experience a mix of rain and snow. Chicago stands to receive snow showers with minor accumulation late Saturday night into Sunday morning. Detroit could also see accumulating snowfall from Sunday morning into midday, possibly affecting busy urban and highway traffic routes.
As cold air advances, a storm system is forecast to move, extending the risk of snow and rain eastward into the Northeast by early next week. While many areas in the Northeast may primarily receive drenching rain, elevation-dependent snow will be possible in locations such as the Adirondacks and the Green and White Mountains of New England.
The Southeast could also briefly experience blustery winds and a sharp cold snap, with frost or even a hard freeze reaching inland areas as far south as Georgia and the Carolinas by Tuesday morning.
Lake-effect snow is anticipated as cold air traverses the relatively warm waters of the Great Lakes, with several inches of accumulation and hazardous travel possible, especially near Lakes Erie and Ontario. These bands could linger from Sunday through Tuesday, leading to slippery roads and reduced visibility for affected communities.
According to AccuWeather, the states expected to experience snow chances or snow-related travel impacts in the upcoming cold wave include North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
What People Are Saying
AccuWeather lead long-range meteorologist Paul Pastelok said in the report: "Temperatures will feel more like mid-December or even Christmastime in many places by next week."
Pastelok added: "Blustery winds will intensify the coming cold with the need for winter attire."
What Happens Next
Meteorologists predict that the cold wave and associated weather hazards will persist through early next week, with some moderation expected midweek across the Midwest and Northeast. However, another storm may bring renewed snow chances to the Great Lakes and interior Northeast between Wednesday and Thursday. Residents are advised to monitor updated forecasts as the situation evolves, particularly as snow accumulates during overnight hours when pavement temperatures drop and travel becomes more treacherous.
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