Overview
- Forecasts show a powerful Arctic cold front sweeping in late Sunday into Monday, dropping temperatures rapidly, in some spots by roughly 50 degrees from near 70 to winterlike cold.
- Rain is expected to change to a wintry mix and snow along and behind the front, with accumulating snow likely in select areas around New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
- Strong winds will accompany the front, with widespread gusts in the 40–55 mph range that could down tree limbs and power lines and produce scattered outages.
- Rapid cooling after rain raises a flash-freeze risk for Monday’s commute in parts of the Midwest and Great Lakes, with icy roads, brief snow squalls and hazardous travel possible.
- The National Weather Service outlook favors below-average temperatures across the Great Lakes and Northeast into Jan. 1–5, with dangerous wind chills in the coldest zones and lake-effect snow potential.