Deep chill dives into Deep South as more than 200 million across US face frigid temperatures
Between the cold temperatures, the first significant lake-effect snowstorm of the season and an Alberta Clipper that’s expected to bring snow to a dozen states this week, there’s no doubt that meteorological winter has arrived.
Temperatures take a tumble across the US as December chill continues
More than 200 million people across all lower 48 states woke up to below average temperatures on Tuesday, including in Florida where Freeze Warnings and Frost Advisories were in effect.
Millions of people in the eastern half of the U.S. are scrambling for jackets and gloves as temperatures nosedive thanks to a blast of frigid air from Canada. And the below-average temperatures are expected to stick around before even colder air moves in later this week.
Between the cold temperatures, the first significant lake-effect snowstorm of the season and an Alberta Clipper that’s expected to bring snow to a dozen states this week, there’s no doubt that meteorological winter has arrived.
This graphic shows rounds of frigid air from Canada invading the U.S. this week.
(FOX Weather)
"This push of arctic air from Canada has Old Man Winter reinforcing that cold air with gusty winds and snow," FOX Weather Meteorologist Stephen Morgan said. "And, yes, as we’ve been talking, that I-95 corridor by early Thursday morning could see the first accumulating snow of the season."
More than 200 million people across the Lower 48 states woke up to temperatures that dipped below freezing on Tuesday morning, and in the northern tier, the bitterly cold temperatures joined forces with strong winds that made it feel below zero.
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(FOX Weather)
The cold temperatures led to reports of ice in North Carolina on Tuesday morning, and a first responder was injured when an ambulance crashed.
According to the Winston-Salem Fire Department, Ladder 19 encountered icy conditions while responding to a call and overturned.
"Please keep them in your thoughts and remember to drive safely in these hazardous conditions," officials said on X.
Cold air has even descended on areas of the Deep South, with below-freezing temperatures creeping into the Florida Peninsula in the Southeast.
"Those cold temperatures are not just affecting the Great Lakes," Morgan continued. "They have reached pretty far south with freeze alerts that have been in effect this morning."
Parts of the Sunshine State have even been included in Freeze Warnings and Frost Advisories that will remain in effect through at least Wednesday morning.
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(FOX Weather)
"I think for everybody, it just feels way too early in terms of seeing temperatures that are, what, 10 to 15 degrees below what they typically are," FOX Weather Meteorologist Marissa Torres said.
A brief warmup is expected on Wednesday, but it won’t last long as another blast of cold air moves into the U.S. behind the departing Alberta Clipper system.
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(FOX Weather)
Temperatures will drop below average once again from the Plains and Midwest to the East Coast, including the Northeast and New England.
The FOX Forecast Center said daytime high temperatures from the Upper Midwest to the East Coast could be 10-20 degrees below average.
The cold is then expected to peak on Friday when temperatures in the teens may be felt as far south as northern Alabama, Georgia, including the Atlanta metro, and Mississippi.
The FOX Forecast Center said temperatures should begin to rebound by next week.