Strong Thanksgiving Cold Front to Deliver Season’s Coldest Temperatures and Multi-Day Winter Pattern Across the South

TEXAS — Meteorologists are warning of a powerful Thanksgiving week cold front that could bring the coldest temperatures of the season across much of the southern and central United States. The developing system is forecast to arrive around Thanksgiving Day, followed by several reinforcing surges of Arctic air that could keep temperatures well below normal into mid-December.

Thanksgiving Week Brings Dramatic Weather Shift

Weather models have consistently shown a major pattern change, ending the current stretch of mild weather with a strong blast of cold air spreading south from the Rockies and Plains.

Forecasters say the transition will begin with rounds of rain and thunderstorms Wednesday night into Thursday, followed by another batch of rain late Sunday into Monday. After that, temperatures are expected to tumble sharply, marking the start of a long cold spell heading into December.

Holiday Temperatures to Plunge

By Thanksgiving Day, the cold front will likely have reached Texas, Oklahoma, and the Deep South. Highs in North Texas are expected to only reach the 40s, while lows could dip into the 30s or even upper 20s in rural areas.

The current coldest high of the season in North Texas has been 56°F — but forecasters expect Thanksgiving to top out even lower, making it the chilliest day of fall so far.

Outdoor celebrations, parades, and travel plans could all be impacted as wind chills make conditions feel even colder through Black Friday.

Three Distinct Waves of Cold Ahead

According to forecasters, the upcoming pattern will arrive in three separate waves:

• Wave 1: Thanksgiving week — the first significant cool-down.
• Wave 2: Early December — a colder surge reinforcing Arctic air.
• Wave 3: Mid-December — the strongest and most widespread push.

Each wave is expected to deepen the cold and keep much of the country locked in a winter-like pattern well into the holiday season.

Rain Before the Freeze

Before the full cold air mass settles in, many parts of Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas will see several inches of beneficial rainfall after weeks of dry conditions. Once the rain ends, clearing skies and falling temperatures could bring frost and freeze alerts across the region.

Winter Arriving Early

Meteorologists say this setup is one of the strongest signals yet that winter is arriving early for much of the South. While snow isn’t expected immediately, the colder air will help set the stage for future wintry systems in early December.

“Winter is knocking… and it’s coming in stages,” one forecaster said.

Residents are urged to bundle up, protect outdoor plants and pets, and stay weather-aware during the holiday week.

Have you started to feel the Thanksgiving chill setting in where you live? Share your local weather experiences and photos with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.