Some of the worst cold weather in years predicted for the beginning of December

• Meteorological Winter Begins with Extreme Cold
• Impact of Arctic Air in the Northeast
• Florida and Agricultural Zones on Alert

The eastern United States is bracing for an early winter blast as arctic air ushers in the start of the meteorological winter on December 1.

AccuWeather meteorologists warn that conditions will be colder than usual for this time of year, following a warm autumn that delayed the need for winter gear.

«Many areas across the northern tier will start December with temperatures well below historical averages,» said AccuWeather’s lead long-term expert, Paul Pastelok.

The core of this arctic air will concentrate in the northern Plains and Upper Midwest, where high temperatures will struggle to exceed 50 °F (10 °C).

Extreme Cold Kicks Off December

In some areas, such as the northern Midwest, temperatures are expected to range between 10 and 20 °F below the historical averages for late November and early December.

«The frigid temperatures will extend to the Southeast, with the cold air driven by winds that will cut through the Midwest and Northeast,» explained meteorologist Alex Sosnowski.

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In the Northeast, conditions will be equally severe. Highs will range from 30 to 40 °F, but wind chills could make it feel as cold as single digits at times.

For example, New York City is expected to experience its coldest start to December since 2019, with highs between 36 and 42 °F.

Snowstorms and Lake-Effect Snow

The windy and icy weather will trigger the first significant lake-effect snow events in areas near the Great Lakes.

Additionally, Alberta clippers may quickly bring snow accumulations to the northern Midwest and Northeast, leaving a few inches in affected regions.

These conditions will complicate travel and may disrupt activities across several impacted areas.

The frigid air won’t be confined to the North.

In the South, particularly along the Gulf Coast and in Florida, low temperatures will put farmers on high alert as they take measures to protect crops from potential frost.

This December kickoff will resemble mid-season winter patterns, bringing freezing temperatures and extreme conditions that will challenge millions of Americans.

Persistent cold will pave the way for Alberta clippers to deliver rapid bursts of snow to the northern Midwest and Northeast next week.

These storms will briefly disrupt lake-effect snow events and produce more widespread accumulations of a few inches.

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