More than 100 million Americans are preparing for a dramatic weather reversal as an Arctic blast pushes across the country, replacing this week’s record-breaking heat with freezing temperatures, snow, and powerful winds.
Forecasters say the cold snap will stretch from the Rockies through the Midwest and into the Northeast, creating one of the sharpest spring temperature swings of the year.
Cities that were sweating through near-summer heat days ago are now expected to face plunging temperatures and possible snow flurries.
In Denver, snow had already started on Friday after temperatures reached 77°F the previous day. Similar rapid drops are expected across multiple states through the weekend.
Meteorologists say the pattern is being driven by Arctic air dropping south from Alaska, combined with high pressure over Greenland that is forcing cold air deeper into the continental U.S.
The result is a broad freeze from Idaho to the Northeast.
Earlier this week, cities such as New York City and Philadelphia saw historic April highs of 90°F and 93°F.
Now, New York could experience a temperature drop of roughly 40 degrees in just days.
By Monday morning, below-freezing temperatures are forecast for places including Madison and Binghamton.
Winter weather advisories are also in effect for parts of Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri, where several inches of snow are possible through Tuesday.
Even Alaska is expected to see harsh conditions, including 40 mph winds and snowfall accumulations approaching eight inches.
Weather experts say the cold spell may only last a few days, but additional cool periods remain possible later in April and into May.
AccuWeather meteorologist Paul Pastelok said shifting Pacific atmospheric patterns could bring more unstable spring weather in the coming weeks.
The freeze could also create economic consequences.
After unusually warm early-April weather accelerated budding and blossoming in many eastern states, sudden cold temperatures now threaten fruit crops, flowering plants, and young leaves, the Daily Mail reported.
That means orchards and farms may face damage if temperatures stay below freezing long enough.
The cold outbreak comes as severe weather continues elsewhere.
Powerful storms across the Midwest triggered tornado warnings, damaging winds, and hail from Texas to the Great Lakes.
In Lena, officials said a likely tornado caused extensive damage Friday, knocking down trees, tearing roofs from buildings, and forcing emergency closures.
Stephenson County Sheriff Steve Stovall said the village was fortunate there were no deaths or serious injuries.
The extreme swing from heatwave to freeze is another reminder of how volatile spring weather can become across the U.S.
Residents in affected regions are being urged to prepare for icy mornings, possible travel issues, and rapidly changing conditions over the next several days.
