A historic, December-like cold wave is forecast to impact the eastern US

A Historic December-Like Cold Wave to Hit Eastern U.S.

The eastern United States is bracing for an early winter chill as a vast Arctic cold air mass surges into the region this weekend. This marks the first major outbreak of Arctic cold this season, spreading across the eastern two-thirds of the country.

Historic Drop in Temperatures

Temperatures are expected to plummet up to 30 °F below seasonal norms, bringing freezing conditions deep into the South, even as far as Florida. Many regions will experience December-like cold unusual for mid-November, impacting tens of millions of residents.

Significant Snowfall Forecast

The Great Lakes region will be heavily affected, with powerful lake-effect snow systems expected to produce accumulations of up to two feet in localized areas. This could lead to hazardous travel and disruptions across parts of the Midwest.

Atmospheric and Satellite Overview

Satellite imagery currently shows two prominent mid-latitude low-pressure systems over the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, while a dense Arctic cold pool is forming over Canada. This mass is projected to move south toward the U.S. border by Friday.

“A strong block will develop over the western U.S., allowing cold Arctic air to plunge far south across the eastern CONUS.”

This classic dipole weather setup will enable extremely cold air to spill rapidly from Canada into the central and eastern U.S., creating one of the most intense fall cold snaps on record. Forecast charts for Joplin, Missouri, and Atlanta, Georgia, illustrate the significant temperature decline expected through the weekend.

Author’s Summary

The eastern U.S. faces an unusually early Arctic outbreak, bringing record cold and heavy lake-effect snow from the Midwest to the Southeast.

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Severe Weather Europe Severe Weather Europe — 2025-11-06

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