Prepare for an Epic Plunge in Temperatures with a Game-Changing Pattern Shift
Get ready for a significant temperature plunge as a powerful cold front sweeps in, bringing a substantial dose of autumn weather Expect a remarkable drop of up to 35 degrees, accompanied by rainfall and storms
A significant shift is approaching with a strong cold front bringing the first substantial burst of autumn weather this weekend. Temperatures are expected to drop drastically by as much as 35 degrees. This sudden cool down comes as a relief for the millions in the South who have experienced an extremely hot summer and a scorching beginning to fall.
Relief from the scorching heat will extend southward to the Gulf Coast, bringing respite to states like Louisiana. This state, which experienced its hottest summer on record this year, will finally witness below-normal afternoon temperatures for the first time since spring.
People walk on snow as a winter storm hits New York City on January 23, 2016.
Selcuk Acar/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
A foreboding El Niño winter is on the horizon, bringing potential implications for the United States. This shift is set to commence in regions of the Plains and Midwest, which have been experiencing scorching temperatures this October. Numerous daily temperature records have already been shattered, with some cities in Minnesota and Michigan even breaking their all-time October temperature records.
As the intense heat subsides in the north-central US, the Northeast is just beginning to experience the onset of summer-like temperatures. From now until Thursday, it will be common to see temperatures 10 to 15 degrees higher than the usual levels for October in the Great Lakes and Northeast regions. However, this heatwave will not persist for long. By the end of this week, the coldest air of the season will descend upon the northern US, bringing back conditions that haven't been felt since early May.
Where temperatures will drop dramatically
A one-two punch of cold air from two separate cold fronts will surge across the central US starting Wednesday and expand into the eastern US Friday and through the weekend.
The weekend could see a significant decrease in high temperatures, with a potential drop of up to 35 degrees from the Great Lakes to New York. Additionally, there will be more widespread temperature drops of around 20 degrees.
Starting from Wednesday and lasting until Thursday, the first cold front will bring relief to states in the north-central US. For instance, places like Minneapolis, which experienced record-breaking temperatures in the 90s on Sunday, may struggle to reach the 60s on Wednesday.
A more powerful second cold front is expected to bring the first significant dose of autumn air for the central and eastern regions of the United States. Cooler air from Canada will advance southward as the cold front makes its way across the eastern two-thirds of the continental US from Thursday to Sunday.
Places such as Detroit and Cleveland, which experience highs in the upper 80s on Wednesday, may struggle to rise above the low 50s on Sunday. Philadelphia and New York City, on the other hand, are expected to enjoy temperatures in the 80s until at least Wednesday, but by Sunday, their high temperatures will likely only reach the low 60s.
The overnight low temperatures will significantly drop following the arrival of these fronts. Saturday morning is expected to bring low temperatures ranging from the upper 30s to low 50s in the north-central US and Midwest, while the Northeast will experience similar conditions on Sunday morning.
Possible first frost of the season expected in northern states such as North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, with temperatures dipping into the low to mid-30s. Chilly autumn weather expected to persist, particularly in the eastern US. Below-average temperatures anticipated from the Gulf Coast to the Northeast until at least the middle of next week, as stated by the Climate Prediction Center.
Rain and storms to accompany fronts
The dramatic cooldown wont be the only noticeable weather change this week. The clash between cold, autumnal air and steamy, summerlike air will create stormy weather.
The storm threat on Wednesday will extend from the southern Plains to the Midwest, with a possibility of severe storms in Texas and Oklahoma in the afternoon.
Texas, where 80% of the state is currently facing moderate drought, desperately needs the rain from these storms. According to the US Drought Monitor, from Tuesday through Wednesday, parts of the state could receive 0.75 to 1.50 inches of rain, and there is a potential for higher amounts in areas that have been affected by multiple storms.
Rain and thunderstorms will persistently move towards the east, affecting areas of the eastern US on Thursday and Friday, while the Midwest experiences ongoing wet weather.
The Northeast may experience intermittent heavy rainfall during the weekend. This could potentially cause problems for regions already submerged by flooding last week.
