Arctic Air Set to Sweep Across U.S. Ahead of Thanksgiving, Bringing Below-Average Temperatures
UNITED STATES — The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) has released an updated 6–10 day temperature outlook, and it points to a major shift toward colder-than-normal conditions across much of the central and eastern United States — just in time for Thanksgiving week.
According to the latest forecast, a blast of Arctic air is expected to arrive around November 25–26, pushing temperatures well below seasonal averages for the remainder of the month.
Below-Average Temperatures to Dominate Thanksgiving Week
The CPC outlook, valid from November 26 through November 30, shows a large portion of the country shaded in blue — indicating a high probability of below-average temperatures across the Midwest, Great Plains, and much of the South.
Areas most likely to feel the chill include:
- The Upper Midwest (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa)
- The Central Plains (Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma)
- The Ohio Valley and Great Lakes region
- Portions of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic
Meanwhile, the West Coast and parts of the Southeast, including Florida and southern Georgia, are projected to remain above average, continuing a streak of milder late-November weather.
Timing the Cold Front
Meteorologists expect the incoming cold front to move through much of the country the day before Thanksgiving, potentially bringing a noticeable temperature drop of 15–25 degrees in some areas.
“The trend to colder weather is coming together. A colder blast of air now looks to arrive just before Thanksgiving, setting up below-average temperatures through the rest of November,” forecasters noted.
This could mean a very chilly holiday weekend for millions of travelers, as strong northwest winds and lingering moisture may also contribute to early-season snow showers in the northern Plains and upper Midwest.
Potential Impacts for Travelers and Holiday Plans
The cold outbreak could impact travel conditions, especially for those driving long distances through the Midwest and Great Lakes. Some forecasters warn that if the Arctic air interacts with remaining moisture in the atmosphere, light snow or freezing rain could accompany the front — particularly in higher elevations and northern states.
In contrast, warmer-than-normal conditions are likely to continue across California, Nevada, and parts of the Southwest, providing a more comfortable setting for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Outlook Beyond Thanksgiving
The end-of-month trend points to sustained cooler conditions east of the Rockies, suggesting that winter-like temperatures may stick around into early December. The CPC forecast indicates that while a brief warm-up could occur in early December, the overall pattern favors colder air dominance through much of the central and eastern U.S.
As Thanksgiving approaches, meteorologists will be refining temperature and precipitation forecasts to determine if the cold front could also bring snow to certain regions — potentially setting the stage for a White Thanksgiving in some northern states.
Stay with SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com for continuing coverage on Thanksgiving week weather patterns and national travel forecasts.
