Arctic Blast to Disrupt Thanksgiving Weekend Travel

According to the reports on Wednesday (27 November), an Arctic blast is set to impact the northern Plains beginning on Thanksgiving, bringing a significant drop in temperatures. The cold front will remain through the weekend, affecting nearly 80 million Americans expected to travel for the holiday. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings that wind chills could drop as much as 40 degrees below zero in certain areas, especially in the northern Plains and Midwest. This marks the first major Arctic outbreak of the season, which will provide a stark contrast to the unusually warm autumn weather experienced so far.

Wind chills are expected to be especially severe in North Dakota, northeast South Dakota, western Minnesota, and parts of Montana and Wyoming. In some regions, wind chills could plummet to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, with temperatures in places like Bismarck, North Dakota, dipping to minus 10 degrees without wind chill. These cold temperatures will be well below average for this time of year, creating a dangerous situation for those traveling or spending time outdoors.

The NWS has warned of an increased risk of hypothermia and frostbite for those exposed to the extreme cold. Travelers are advised to carry winter survival kits if they need to be on the road, as wind chill temperatures below zero could cause health emergencies. Despite the severe cold, no major winter storms are expected, although some disruptions are anticipated, particularly in areas such as Michigan, Illinois, and Missouri.

In addition to the cold, the Midwest and Northeast may also experience snowfall starting Wednesday night into Thursday, potentially affecting travel plans. Lake-effect snow could cause temporary road closures in New York state, particularly along major highways like Interstate 90 and 81. The cold temperatures will begin to ease by next week, with the northern Plains experiencing a warm-up after this weekend’s deep freeze.

References

• Arctic Blast to Hit Northern Plains on Thanksgiving Weekend