Polar Vortex Brings Early Snow and Record Cold to Eastern U.S.

Early Winter Arrival

• ❄️ An early winter arrival has impacted much of the eastern half of the country, bringing snow and cold temperatures ahead of Thanksgiving.
• 🥶 Numerous record low temperatures were set, with high temperatures 15 to 20 degrees below normal.

Lake Effect Snow Phenomenon

• 💨 The lake effect snow machine is active, particularly downwind of the Great Lakes, due to interaction between cold air and relatively warmer lake water.
• 💧 This phenomenon occurs as cold air picks up moisture from the open Great Lakes, then cools and drops the moisture as intense snowfall upon reaching land.
• 📊 While still occurring, the intensity of the lake effect snow is expected to gradually diminish over the next 24 hours.

Temperature Outlook

• 📈 Temperatures are expected to improve for the eastern half of the country, returning closer to normal by the end of the week.
• ☀️ The middle of the country will see even greater warming trends.

Other Weather and Space Events

• 🔥 An elevated fire threat was present in Texas due to warm and gusty conditions.
• 🌌 A strong solar storm is expected, with potential for aurora viewing in northern latitudes tonight and possible disruptions to communication satellites.
• 🛰️ The Space Weather Center has issued a G4 geomagnetic storm watch.