Winter Set to Arrive After Thanksgiving: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Great Plains States to See 10–15° Temperature Drop
UNITED STATES — Winter is finally making its entrance, and this time it’s targeting the Midwest, Great Plains, and parts of the central U.S. with a surge of cold air arriving shortly after Thanksgiving. Meteorologists say this seasonal shift will bring temperatures 10–15°F below normal across many states, marking the official start of winter conditions for much of the country.
According to the Climate Prediction Center (CPC), temperatures will drop significantly between November 28 and December 4, with a wide area of blue shading stretching from the Rockies through the Midwest to the Northeast.
Cold Air Targets Midwest and Plains After Thanksgiving
This upcoming pattern isn’t a brutal Arctic blast, but rather a classic early winter cooldown — one that replaces the lingering fall warmth with a noticeable chill. Meteorologist Adam Lucio noted that this transition is “right on schedule” for late November.
“The models show a widespread cooldown, not a record freeze,” Lucio said. “This is winter showing up — nothing extreme, just seasonably cold air pushing through most of the country.”
The 10–15°F below normal zone will primarily affect:
- Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio – Cold mornings and daytime highs struggling to reach 40°F
- Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas – Early freeze potential and gusty winds
- Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee – Noticeable chill arriving by December
- Colorado and the Dakotas – Possible light snow accumulation and Arctic winds
Meanwhile, southern states such as Florida, Georgia, and Texas may start warm before the cold front sweeps south by early December.
Snow Chances Rise in Northern States
The favored snow corridor runs from Montana through the Dakotas and across the Great Lakes into upstate New York and northern New England, according to the CPC outlook.
While snow forecasts remain mixed, the northern tier states — particularly Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan — are most likely to see the season’s first measurable snow during this period.
“There’s still some uncertainty about how strong this system will be,” Lucio said. “But the signal for colder, snow-friendly air is clear across the northern half of the country.”
Classic Winter Chill, Not a Polar Outbreak
Despite social media chatter, forecasters stress this is not an extreme Arctic plunge. Instead, it’s a seasonal transition — the kind of cold snap that defines the arrival of December.
“Think 10–15° below normal, not minus 30,” meteorologists said. “It’s the natural cooling pattern we expect around Thanksgiving.”
What to Expect Across the Country
- Central and Northern Plains: Lows in the teens and 20s, light snow possible
- Midwest and Ohio Valley: Cold mornings, widespread frost, highs in the upper 30s to mid-40s
- Northeast: Gradual temperature decline through early December
- South and Southeast: Breezy and cooler but not freezing — ideal for late-fall weather
Looking Ahead
The post-Thanksgiving chill will likely moderate by mid-December, but forecasters say the nation’s winter pattern has officially begun.
“This is the kind of map that signals the start of the season,” Lucio added. “If you haven’t pulled out the winter coat yet, you’ll need it by next weekend.”
Stay updated on regional temperature trends and early snow forecasts by visiting SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
