A powerful surge of Arctic air is forecast to send a deep freeze across the eastern United States this weekend, impacting more than 100 million Americans and putting dozens of temperature records in jeopardy.
An Early and Widespread Winter Onslaught
The cold front, originating from Canada, is expected to bring a dramatic temperature drop, with daytime highs plummeting into the 30s and 40s Fahrenheit for a vast area stretching from the Northern Plains through the Midwest and into the Northeast. Meteorologist Ryan Maue noted on social media that the US is effectively "skipping fall and going right to winter on the 10th of November."
Blustery winds will exacerbate the cold, with wind chills potentially making it feel like the single digits in states like Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, and the Dakotas by Sunday morning. The scale of this event is immense, with overnight temperatures forecast to fall below freezing in 35 states.
Regional Impacts: From Snow to Stunned Reptiles
The Midwest and Great Lakes
Forecasters in Chicago have issued warnings about an "early taste of winter," highlighting the risk of hazardous travel conditions due to anticipated lake effect snow. The National Weather Service office there stated that "periods of lake effect snow may lead to localized accumulations and slippery travel."
Neighbouring Indiana is bracing for consecutive nights with wind chills as low as 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit and wind-driven snow flurries. In Michigan, Detroit is poised to see its first measurable snow of the season, with areas around Mount Pleasant potentially receiving an inch or more. Parts of Ohio are also forecast for light snow showers into Monday.
The Northern Plains and Northeast
The Northern Plains are already experiencing the onset, with more than an inch of snow expected in North Dakota and over two inches in some parts of South Dakota. The Northeast, while largely avoiding snow for now, will still feel the bitter cold after experiencing its chilliest morning of the season so far in New Jersey.
The Unusual Southeast Consequences
While the most extreme cold will grip the northern states, the Southeast will not be spared. Temperatures in the interior Southeast are predicted to be a staggering 15 to 25 degrees below the historical average by Monday. This has led to a bizarre weather warning for Florida: falling iguanas.
When temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, these cold-blooded reptiles become dormant and can lose their grip on trees. Meteorologist Caroline Castora warned residents, "If you see a cold-stunned iguana, do not touch it! Once they warm up, they can act defensively." The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission has echoed this safety advice.
A Nation Chilled
This early-season Arctic blast is set to deliver a profound shock to systems across the eastern half of the country. From travel disruptions due to snow in the Midwest to the unusual biological reactions in Florida's subtropical climate, the event underscores the powerful and far-reaching impact of a major cold front.
