A powerful Arctic blast is set to sweep across the eastern half of the United States starting tomorrow (November 8), bringing temperatures 15 to 25 degrees below the historical average. Meteorologists have warned that over 100 million Americans will feel the impact, with the cold front initially hitting the Plains and Mississippi Valley before reaching the East Coast by early next week.
The Northeast, including New England, New York, and Pennsylvania, will likely experience the most significant temperature drops. The cold snap is expected to bring "December-like" conditions, with widespread frost and freeze conditions ending the growing season across much of the central and eastern U.S.
Temperatures in the Midwest will drop 10 to 20 degrees below average, potentially leading to the first snowflakes of the season in some areas. The Southeast could see record cold temperatures, with lows in the 20s and 30s in places like Atlanta and Florida.
The cold air mass is expected to bring record lows to over a dozen locations in the Southeast, including Savannah, Georgia, and Mobile, Alabama. The Weather Prediction Center advises residents to protect outdoor plumbing and irrigation systems.
The Arctic blast will also increase the chance of snow in the northern tier, with lake-effect snow possible in the Great Lakes region. The cold snap is forecasted to be brief, with temperatures expected to rebound by the middle of next week.