Frost, freeze alerts blanket parts of northern US as sprawling fall storm brings major cooldown for millions

First cold front of fall season charges east across US as millions feel season's first freeze

Millions of Americans are expecting their first fall freeze of the season into the weekend as one of the first cold fronts of the fall season charges east across the U.S. Multiple locations will experience their first frost/freeze of the year, accompanied with gusty winds throughout the day leading to blustery conditions. This front will usher in drier air, with dew points expected to drop 20-plus degrees after the front passes.

A significant temperature drop is in store for many Americans this weekend, as one of the first major cold fronts of fall sweeps east across the U.S.

Some areas experienced their first frost and freeze of the year, along with gusty winds that will create blustery conditions, according to the FOX Forecast Center. Drier air will be ushered in, causing dew points to drop at least 20 degrees after the cold front passes.

Frost and freeze alerts covered more than 16 million people Friday night into Saturday morning in parts of the northern Plains. North Platte, Nebraska dropped to 25 degrees Saturday morning while Rapid City, South Dakota dropped to 27 and Bismarck, North Dakota awoke to 28 degrees.

Temperature departures for the next few days.
(FOX Weather)

"If you live in the central portion of the U.S., if Jack Frost isn't nipping at your nose right now, he's going to be knocking on your door," said FOX Weather meteorologist Steve Bender.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FROST, A FREEZE AND A HARD FREEZE?

After causing temperatures in the central U.S. to plunge, the cold front will move eastward and cause temperatures to drop in the Great Lakes area and the Northeast.

Places such as New York City will feel temperatures drop from the 80s to the upper 50s by Monday. Well to the north in upstate New York, a very light dusting of snow is possible in the highest elevations of the Adirondack Mountains from Sunday into Monday.

Daily highs for New York City.
(FOX Weather)

As the overall storm system rolls east, it will eventually run into the remnants of Tropical Storm Philippe that are racing north, helping to enhance the rain over the Northeast and New England this weekend.

Here's a look at the forecast high temperatures for the next five days across the nation.

Saturday

Here's a look at the forecast high temperature for Saturday, October 7, 2023.
(FOX Weather)

Sunday

Here's a look at the forecast high temperature for Sunday, October 8, 2023.
(FOX Weather)

Monday

Here's a look at the forecast high temperature for Monday, October 9, 2023.
(FOX Weather)

Tuesday

Here's a look at the forecast high temperature for Tuesday, October 10, 2023.
(FOX Weather)