Thirteen states in the Northern U.S., Great Lakes, and Northeast are expecting snowfall this weekend and early next week as a burst of cold air brings wintry conditions to millions. The snowflakes are arriving right on track for the average first snowfall of the season, AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines told Newsweek.
### Why It Matters
A potent cold front is poised to sweep across a large portion of the United States this weekend, bringing the threat of snow to at least 13 states. Temperatures are expected to plunge to levels more usually experienced in December. For many regions, this event signals a dramatic shift from mild autumn weather to a wintry pattern, raising concerns about hazardous travel and the end of the growing season in several southern and central areas.
### What To Know
The developing cold wave, beginning late this week and intensifying over the weekend, is expected to bring below-average temperatures across parts of the Midwest, Appalachian Mountains, and into the Southeast, according to AccuWeather. A pronounced dip in the jet stream will drive cold air southward, fueling the first widespread snowfall for the season in several states and dropping temperatures below average as far south as Florida.
Forecasts indicate that snow will develop first in the northern Midwest—including portions of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota—and then spread eastward across New York, Pennsylvania, and into the New England states.
As the cold air penetrates further, snow chances will extend to the central and southern Appalachian Mountains, with Tennessee and North Carolina poised for slushy accumulations, AccuWeather reported. Major metropolitan areas such as Chicago and Detroit are likely to see light accumulations from Saturday night through Sunday.
Lake-effect snow showers are possible along the Great Lakes, with parts of northern Indiana, Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and New York at risk for locally higher totals and hazardous travel conditions.
In the Southeast, the surge of cold air may result in the first frost or freeze for parts of Mississippi, Georgia, and even northern Florida. This could bring the growing season to a close in those areas.
According to AccuWeather, the 13 states most at risk of snow over the weekend are South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, North Dakota, and Montana. However, there is potential for snow showers to be more widespread, encompassing parts of West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts by Sunday night.
Residents of the Appalachian states should pay particular attention, as elevation may enhance snow totals and increase the risk of hazardous driving conditions. Early winter weather can catch travelers and commuters off guard, especially in areas where snow is not yet typical for the season.
The cold spell is expected to take hold this weekend through early next week, with the coldest mornings likely on Tuesday in the Southeast—potentially causing frost or a hard freeze.
Meteorologists caution that another round of snow is possible by mid-next week as an additional storm system could develop over the Great Lakes.
### What People Are Saying
AccuWeather Vice President of Forecast Operations Dan DePodwin said in a report:
_”Along with the bands of lake-effect snow is the potential for briefly heavy snow squalls in portions of Ohio, Pennsylvania, western and central New York, and northern West Virginia on Monday. While most of the snow will melt quickly on area roads, the sudden drop in visibility and temporary slush can create dangerous conditions on the highways.”_
AccuWeather lead long-range meteorologist Paul Pastelok added:
_”This will be the first taste of wintry weather for millions from this weekend to early next week, with a dramatic temperature drop and blustery winds. The surge of chilly air will also briefly reach parts of the Southeast.”_
### What Happens Next
Regional branches of the National Weather Service (NWS) will issue frequent updates and advisories as the situation evolves. Residents are urged to monitor local forecasts, prepare homes and vehicles for winter conditions, and be vigilant for rapidly changing weather throughout the impacted areas.
https://www.newsweek.com/map-shows-where-snow-will-fall-this-weekend-for-13-states-11004503