An influx of Arctic air is expected to bring extremely low temperatures to a large portion of the central and eastern United States starting Friday and continuing into the weekend. In some parts of the Great Lakes and Northeast, residents are preparing for heavy snowfall during this peak travel time of the year.

The harsh Arctic conditions will primarily affect the northern Plains and upper Midwest early next week, with temperatures forecast to reach the single digits, teens, and 20s, as reported by AccuWeather. The National Weather Service cautions that “dangerously cold wind chills” may be felt in these areas, particularly as heavy lake-effect snow becomes more common.

As the frigid air moves south and east through the long holiday weekend, temperatures are expected to drop to around freezing as far south as central Texas, northern Florida, and the New York region. Even locations that typically face cold weather will see significant temperature drops of 10 to 20 degrees below average for this time of year, AccuWeather stated.

By Saturday morning, nearly 196 million people across the U.S. will wake up to temperatures below freezing, according to Weather.com. For those living along the Interstate 95 corridor, this might mark the coldest start to meteorological winter in several years, as emphasized by AccuWeather.

Hazardous driving conditions expected due to snow

In the Great Lakes area, drivers are advised to remain vigilant on Friday and throughout the weekend, as freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall will likely create slippery roads and reduced visibility.

Winter storm warnings and advisories have been issued from northern Wisconsin through Michigan and western New York, with certain areas anticipating up to 4 feet of snow by the weekend’s end. During periods of intense snowfall, rates may reach as high as 5 inches per hour.

AccuWeather meteorologist Jonathan Porter cautioned that if travelers become stranded, it could escalate into a potentially life-threatening situation under these conditions.

The Marquette, Michigan weather service warned that travel could become extremely difficult, if not impossible. Similar alerts were issued for various locations across the Great Lakes. These hazardous conditions could disrupt both morning and evening commutes and are likely to affect holiday travel plans.

Freeze warnings in effect for Texas and Florida

The Jacksonville, Florida weather service urged residents to “take precautions for young children, the elderly, and the homeless” and to “insulate or drain pipes to prevent freezing. It’s also important to take steps now to protect vulnerable plants from the cold.”

Expected snowfall locations

On Friday, light snow is likely in parts of the Central Appalachians, according to the weather service. By Saturday, various areas from the middle Mississippi Valley to the central Appalachians can expect light to moderate snowfall.

Most areas in the lower peninsula of Michigan can anticipate lighter snow, while the northern part of the peninsula is expected to experience significant lake-effect snow. Heavy lake-effect snow is also anticipated downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario through Sunday, according to the weather service.

Forecasters predict a low-pressure system over the central Plains will move eastward to the central Appalachians by Sunday, likely bringing light to moderate snow from Saturday through Sunday morning.

Rain expected for Florida and Gulf Coast states this weekend

Meteorologists are forecasting that a slow-moving front over Florida will lead to showers and thunderstorms across the state and other areas of the central Gulf Coast from Friday evening into Saturday.

This rainfall will coincide with cooling temperatures in the region, as the influx of Arctic air continues.