Arctic Blast to Hit Texas, Illinois, Ohio, and Tennessee During Thanksgiving Week, Bringing Possible Winter Storm
UNITED STATES — A powerful Arctic cold front is forecast to surge across Texas, Illinois, Ohio, and Tennessee during Thanksgiving week, ushering in freezing temperatures, wintry precipitation, and potentially dangerous travel conditions. Meteorologists say this could become one of the most disruptive early winter systems of the season.
Major Cold Front Expected to Arrive Just Before Thanksgiving
The week leading up to Thanksgiving is expected to bring dramatic weather changes, as a strong ridge over Alaska redirects Arctic air deep into the United States. This shift, known as a cross-polar flow, will allow cold air to spill southward across the Rockies and into the Plains and Midwest.
The front could deliver subfreezing temperatures and possible snow or ice from North Dakota and Nebraska all the way down to Texas and the Southeast. The setup is expected to intensify as it moves east, potentially developing into a full-fledged winter storm.
States in the Direct Path of the Arctic Blast
Meteorologists are tracking a wide area of impact across the nation. Here’s how several key states could be affected:
- Texas: Sharp temperature plunge with possible freezing rain and sleet in northern regions.
- Oklahoma: Cold front could bring icy roads and scattered snow showers.
- Illinois: Threat of snow accumulation and below-zero wind chills possible by midweek.
- Ohio: Mixed precipitation likely, with dangerous travel conditions if temperatures fall quickly.
- Tennessee: Rain may turn to snow or freezing drizzle as the Arctic air deepens late in the week.
- Georgia: Cold rain expected, with freezing potential in higher elevations.
The same front could also send cold air into Wyoming, Nebraska, and New Mexico, where snow is likely to accumulate at higher elevations.
Could a Winter Storm Form?
Forecasters warn that the interaction between Arctic air and lingering Gulf moisture could trigger a large winter storm, spreading snow, ice, and high winds across multiple states.
“The ingredients are there for a significant event,” one forecaster noted. “The sharp temperature drop will create a strong boundary, and that could fuel snow bands or even a mixed-precipitation system over the Midwest.”
Impact on Thanksgiving Travel
With millions of Americans expected to hit the road or fly for the holiday, the timing of this Arctic blast couldn’t be worse. Major travel hubs — including Chicago, Dallas, Nashville, and Atlanta — could see flight delays, cancellations, or icy runways if the storm strengthens.
Drivers across the Midwest and South should prepare for slick roads, reduced visibility, and freezing wind chills through the week.
Ongoing Forecast Monitoring
Experts emphasize that while the storm’s exact track is still developing, confidence is growing that freezing temperatures and wintry conditions will spread across much of the nation between November 20–23.
“This system has the potential to impact millions traveling for Thanksgiving,” meteorologists warned. “Residents across Texas, Illinois, Ohio, and Tennessee should keep a close eye on local forecasts.”
Stay tuned to SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com for continuous coverage of the Thanksgiving Arctic blast, travel advisories, and severe weather alerts.
