Powerful Arctic Blast Expected to Sweep Across the U.S. on Thanksgiving Week, Bringing Sharp Temperature Drop From Midwest to the East Coast and Southeast
UNITED STATES – A powerful Arctic blast is forecast to push across the country during Thanksgiving week, sending temperatures plunging from the Midwest to the East Coast and the Southeast by Black Friday and the holiday weekend. Meteorologists warn that much of the nation could transition from well above normal temperatures to well below normal in a matter of hours, marking one of the most dramatic cold snaps of the season.
Coldest Air of the Season for Many Regions
Forecast models show a large mass of very cold Arctic air funneling southward from the northern Plains. States including North Dakota, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, and even parts of northern Florida appear within the projected cold-air footprint.
The surge of cold air is expected to be both deep and widespread, potentially delivering the coldest temperatures of the season for millions of people heading into the holiday weekend.
Thanksgiving Week Begins Mild, Ends Much Colder
Meteorologists note that the shift will be especially noticeable because many parts of the country will start Thanksgiving week with above-average warmth, only to drop sharply as the Arctic air mass arrives.
By Thanksgiving night and into Black Friday, temperatures will fall rapidly from the central U.S. through the Great Lakes, Appalachians, and the entire East Coast. Areas that felt spring-like warmth earlier in the week could plunge into winter-like chill before the weekend arrives.
Cold Air Pushes Deep Into the South and East Coast
The forecast map highlights a dramatic push of Arctic air reaching as far south as Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. This deep intrusion of cold could bring unusually low temperatures for late November across the Southeast.
States along the East Coast—including New York, Pennsylvania, and the Carolinas—are also expected to experience a sharp drop by Black Friday, with afternoon readings falling well below seasonal averages.
Potential Impacts on Holiday Travel
The timing of this Arctic blast could affect Thanksgiving travel, as millions of Americans take to the roads and skies. While the current forecast focuses primarily on temperature rather than snow, the significant cooldown may influence road conditions in regions where moisture overlaps with the cold air.
Travelers planning long-distance trips should prepare for rapidly changing conditions as the cold front advances eastward.
If you’re preparing for Thanksgiving travel or family gatherings, how will this Arctic blast affect your plans? Share your thoughts and follow updates at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com for continuing coverage.
