Overview
- The first surge is already affecting the Midwest and Northeast with temperatures far below average and pockets of snow.
- AccuWeather projects a second blast to sweep from the northern Plains into the Midwest on Sunday and reach the East on Monday.
- A third, colder and more prolonged push is forecast to dive into the northern Plains around Dec. 10 and spread to the Northeast and mid-Atlantic Dec. 13–14.
- Forecasts call for subzero lows in parts of the Midwest, including around -3°F in Madison, and 1–3 inches of snow in Chicago on Sunday, raising travel and energy concerns.
- Local outlooks anticipate several fast-moving Alberta Clippers and lake-effect bands through mid-December, with some signs the pattern could ease by the week of Christmas.