ILLINOIS — A significant Arctic air mass is forecast to surge southward and eastward mid to late next week, bringing well-below-normal temperatures across a large portion of the United States, including Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, Georgia, Texas, and the East Coast, according to the latest temperature anomaly guidance shown in the data.
The cold air outbreak is expected to originate from the Southern Plains, then expand into the Deep South, Great Lakes, and Southeast, with impacts lasting beyond a single cold snap.
What the Data Shows About the Arctic Air Surge
The provided temperature anomaly map highlights a broad region shaded in deep blues and purples, indicating temperatures falling significantly below seasonal averages. Illinois sits squarely within this colder-than-normal zone, along with neighboring states such as Ohio and Tennessee, signaling a widespread and sustained cold pattern rather than a brief fluctuation.
Arrows on the map show repeated southward and eastward pushes of Arctic air, confirming that this is not a one-time event.
Timing of the First and Second Cold Pushes
The initial Arctic blast is expected to arrive mid to late next week, followed by a secondary and potentially colder surge next weekend that could extend into the following week. Forecast guidance suggests repeated cold reinforcements through the end of the month, increasing the likelihood of prolonged cold conditions. This pattern raises concerns for extended heating demand, icy conditions, and stress on infrastructure across multiple regions.
Regions Expected to Feel the Strongest Impact
Based on the anomaly coverage, the most notable cold impacts are expected across:
- Illinois and the Great Lakes
- Ohio and Tennessee
- Georgia and parts of the Southeast
- Texas and the Southern Plains
- Mid-Atlantic and East Coast states including New York
Florida appears closer to the edge of the cold pool, but even there, temperatures may dip below normal during stronger surges.
Why This Cold Pattern Matters
When Arctic air penetrates this far south, it increases the risk of freezing temperatures, overnight frost, and energy strain, especially in regions unaccustomed to extended cold. If moisture aligns with the cold air, winter precipitation risks could rise later, though the current data focuses on temperature rather than snowfall. Repeated cold outbreaks also reduce recovery time between events, making impacts more severe over time.
What Comes Next to Watch
Forecast confidence remains high for below-normal temperatures, but the exact intensity and duration of each surge will become clearer over the coming days. Any additional reinforcement of Arctic air could push temperatures even lower than currently projected. Residents should prepare for multiple cold waves, not just a single chilly period…