After enjoying weeks of mild, spring-like weather, a sudden shift is on the horizon for many parts of the United States. Next week, a significant drop in temperature is expected, bringing the possibility of below-freezing conditions to a large portion of the eastern United States.
The arrival of astronomical spring in the Northern Hemisphere on Tuesday, following the warmest winter ever recorded, marks a stark contrast to what’s ahead. Despite the seasonal change, it appears that winter isn’t ready to say goodbye just yet. By early next week, over half of the U.S. population will find themselves grappling with temperatures at or below the freezing mark.
This unexpected cold snap isn’t just a brief return to winter weather; it poses a real threat to agricultural interests, especially in the Southeast where the growing season is already in progress. For many across the eastern half of the country, the sudden plunge into colder temperatures will come as a shock, especially after experiencing a week of warmer than average weather. Some southern cities are still anticipating highs in the 70s this Saturday, but a noticeable change is forecasted for Sunday as the cold begins to make its way into the Midwest, eventually spreading south and east.
By Monday, the colder air will become more widespread, affecting much of the eastern half of the country. Cities like St. Louis and Atlanta are expected to see significant drops in temperature, with St. Louis experiencing a more than 20-degree swing from the high 60s on Saturday to the low 40s by Monday. Atlanta’s high temperature could fall by as much as 15 degrees during the same period, from the low 70s to the mid-50s.
Although these temperatures may not be considered frigid, they are more typical of the heart of winter for many parts of the South. Both Memphis, Tennessee, and Huntsville, Alabama, are forecasted to see highs of 51 degrees on Monday, which is more common for mid-January.
The cold air will continue its eastward journey Monday night into Tuesday, eventually reaching the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. New York City, for example, will see a drop from a high of 60 degrees on Saturday to 45 degrees by Tuesday. Similarly, Philadelphia’s expected high of 45 degrees on Tuesday is what’s normally seen on February 19.
Low temperatures are also set to fall. On Tuesday morning, the Southeast will experience temperatures that are 10 to 15 degrees below the norm for this time of year. Cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Birmingham, Alabama, are all expected to see temperatures dip into the low 30s, posing the greatest risk to plants.
To protect plants from the harsh conditions, bringing them indoors is the best option. However, if that’s not possible, covering them can also provide some protection. Using sheets, towels, or blankets can help trap the ground’s radiant heat around the plants. It’s advisable to use stakes to support the coverings or drape them over patio furniture to prevent crushing the plants.
Despite the brief return to colder weather, temperatures in the Southeast are expected to rebound quickly by the end of the week. So, don’t put away your sunscreen and allergy medicine just yet, as spring will soon be back in full force.