Over 50 million Americans are expected to experience an intense cold wave today, Friday, as frost and freeze warnings are issued for broad areas across the central and eastern regions of the country, according to authorities and meteorologists.
Delaney Debruin, a meteorologist with Fox Weather, indicated that the warnings extend from southern Minnesota to central New Jersey, with temperatures in some areas potentially dropping to the low twenties below zero.
Debruin added, “A strong cold front is ushering in frigid Canadian air, resulting in temperature declines of 5 to 10 degrees below the average, with some areas expected to fall below freezing today.”
The meteorologist noted that “the drop below freezing, combined with calm winds and clear skies, will lead to the formation of frost,” warning that such conditions could damage crops and plants, typically signaling the end of the growing season.
In New Jersey, frost warnings will affect nine counties, including western Monmouth, Mercer, Salem, Gloucester, Burlington, Ocean, Cumberland, and Atlantic, where temperatures could reach the mid to upper thirties below zero.
While New York City will not be under these warnings, residents can still anticipate cold weather with lows reaching the mid-forties below zero on Friday and Saturday mornings. Experts indicate that the first frost usually appears around mid-November.