Bone-chilling temperatures are set to sweep across much of the central and eastern U.S. over the weekend, bringing heavy snow to parts of the Great Lakes and Northeast during a busy travel period. The core of the Arctic air will be concentrated in the northern Plains and upper Midwest, with dangerously cold wind chills expected. Temperatures will drop significantly below historical averages for the end of November and early December. Freeze warnings and watches have been issued in Texas, Florida, and other southern states.
Light to moderate snow is expected in the Central Appalachians, middle Mississippi Valley, and central Gulf Coast states. Heavy lake-effect snow is forecasted for parts of Michigan and downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario. A wave of low pressure will move eastward from the central Plains to the central Appalachians, bringing more snow on Saturday into Sunday. Meanwhile, a slow-moving front will bring showers and thunderstorms to Florida and other parts of the Gulf Coast over the weekend.
The cold air and snowfall will make this the coldest start to meteorological winter in years for many people along the Interstate 95 corridor. Residents are urged to take precautions to protect themselves, their homes, and plants from the extreme weather conditions. The Arctic blast is expected to persist into early next week before temperatures gradually begin to rise.
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