The Thanksgiving holiday turned into a test of resilience for the Northeast, as frigid rains and snow swept through the region on Thursday, leaving a soggy mess in their wake. New York City’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade unfolded under a deluge, with drenched participants performing valiantly in temperatures hovering in the 40s.
As this wet system moves offshore, a wave of Arctic air is set to engulf much of the northern and central United States, ushering in a stark chill that will linger into the first week of December.
Arctic Air Ushers in Dangerous Cold
The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center announced that the season’s first significant Arctic blast began in the northern Plains on Thanksgiving, spreading southward through the Plains and Midwest by Friday. Wind chills in states like the Dakotas and Minnesota are predicted to dive below -15°F, with some areas bracing for dangerous lows of -40°F. Such bitter conditions raise serious risks of hypothermia and frostbite for those exposed to the elements.
Snowstorms and Travel Woes
Alongside the bone-chilling temperatures, lake-effect snow systems are expected to batter parts of New York, including Buffalo and Watertown, where accumulations between 6 and 18 inches are likely. Strong gusts reaching 35 mph will contribute to drifting snow, leading to treacherous travel conditions on major routes like I-90 and I-81. In some areas, snow totals could reach several feet, making travel nearly impossible.
Cold Reaches South, Brings Northern Lights
This Arctic outbreak will also reach as far south as Texas, where parts of the state will wake up to temperatures in the 20s, and freezing conditions are anticipated across the Carolinas.
For a brighter twist to the frigid conditions, some northern states could catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, courtesy of a recent solar flare.
Festive Weather on the Horizon
Unlike previous short-lived cold snaps, this Arctic surge is expected to stick around, shaping the start of December with crisp, wintry weather—just in time to usher in the holiday season.
Whether braving the elements or cozying up indoors, residents across the U.S. should prepare for a frigid finale to Thanksgiving weekend.
