First Snow of the Season Hits Midwest and Northeast, Bringing Cold to the South

As November progresses, the first snow of the season has blanketed parts of the Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast, marking a definitive shift in weather patterns that extends across the southern United States, reaching as far as Texas and Florida. According to meteorologists, a potent low-pressure system over the Great Lakes is responsible for this cold snap and snowfall.

Major cities including Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee, and Indianapolis experienced their initial snowfall on Thursday. In certain parts of southeast Wisconsin, snowfall reached up to six inches before beginning to melt later in the day. The National Weather Service issued winter weather alerts spanning from the Ohio Valley through the Appalachians and into the interior Northeast.

Snowfall is expected to persist in the Midwest through Thursday night, while the eastern regions may continue to see precipitation into Friday night or early Saturday. Although widespread heavy snow accumulations are not anticipated, higher elevations in the Appalachians, central Pennsylvania, and parts of New York could see over six inches of snow. The National Weather Service warns that the weight of the snow combined with strong winds could potentially lead to tree damage and power outages.

Jonathan Erdman, a senior meteorologist at weather.com, explained that the atmospheric wind flow has become temporarily clogged, keeping the cold air and storm system over the East for several days. ‘It’s a temporary roadblock situation that is responsible,’ Erdman said.

Closer to the Southeast, residents have felt the impact of this new cold front as temperatures drop to lows in the 30s and 40s, with northern Florida even experiencing chillier mornings in the 40s and 50s.

In Greater Cincinnati, snow moved out on Thursday evening, leaving slushy accumulations that are expected to melt as temperatures rise slightly above freezing. Kevin Robinson, Chief Meteorologist for WLWT News Five, reassured residents that the roads should not present significant issues for commuters, though minor slick spots could still occur in rural areas. Robinson noted that temperatures are not expected to drastically drop overnight, and milder weather is forecast to return over the weekend.

On Friday, Cincinnati is set for a cloudy day with lingering showers and high temperatures reaching around 41°F. Weather advisories are set to expire by the early hours of Friday morning as weather conditions begin to stabilize.