A bitter blast of Arctic air is set to sweep across much of the country this weekend, bringing dangerously cold temperatures after the Northeast was hit with heavy rain and snow on Thanksgiving.
In New York City, spectators at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade endured temperatures in the 40s as they braved the rainy conditions. Drenched participants performed under dark clouds, showcasing the storm’s intensity as it made its way offshore by Friday morning.
As the system moves out, the cold air is expected to invade the northern and central U.S., causing significant temperature drops. The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center noted that the first major Arctic outbreak of the season arrived in the northern Plains on Thanksgiving, and cold conditions will spread throughout the Plains and Midwest on Friday, persisting through the weekend.
Wind chills are expected to reach dangerous levels, with forecasts indicating temperatures falling below zero across the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest. In places like the Dakotas and Minnesota, wind chills could plunge as low as 40 degrees below zero, increasing the risk of hypothermia and frostbite for anyone exposed to the elements.
Along with the freezing temperatures, the Arctic outbreak will also bring heavy lake-effect snowfall, particularly around the Great Lakes. Areas in New York state, including Buffalo and Watertown, could see up to 18 inches of snow by Monday, along with 35 mph wind gusts. The Weather Prediction Center warned that significant snow and drifting conditions could cause travel disruptions, especially on highways like I-90 between Cleveland and Buffalo and I-81 north of Syracuse.
Even Texas and the Southeast are feeling the cold. Temperatures in parts of West Texas will dip into the 20s on Friday morning, and parts of North and South Carolina will experience freezing conditions Friday evening into Saturday morning.
However, the wintry weather also brings a holiday bonus for some. A recent solar flare may make the Northern Lights visible across the northern U.S. by Friday evening. The cold snap is expected to last through the first week of December, setting the stage for festive winter conditions just in time for the holiday season.