Major Cold Front to Sweep Across the U.S. Early Next Week — First Freeze of the Season Expected for the Piedmont Triad

NORTH CAROLINA — Residents across the Piedmont Triad and much of the eastern United States should brace for a sharp temperature drop early next week as a powerful cold front moves across the region, marking the first freeze of the season for several areas.

Meteorologists with WXII 12 First Warning Weather report that the major cooldown will begin late Sunday into Monday, with upper-air temperature patterns showing a massive surge of Arctic air sweeping southward from the Great Lakes into the Carolinas and parts of the Southeast.

Cold Air Mass Spreads Across the East

Forecast models indicate that temperatures across the Midwest, Great Lakes, and Mid-Atlantic will fall well below seasonal averages. Cities such as Chicago, Nashville, and Atlanta could see overnight lows dropping into the 20s and 30s, with subfreezing conditions possible across North Carolina’s Triad region.

The dramatic shift follows a stretch of unseasonably mild weather for much of the country. By contrast, areas farther west, including Las Vegas, Albuquerque, and Denver, are expected to remain under a warm upper-air ridge, keeping temperatures relatively mild.

“We’re looking at the coldest air of the season so far,” meteorologists said, “and for many areas in the East, this will be the first significant freeze event heading into November.”

What to Expect in the Triad

For North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad, which includes Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point, the cold front will likely arrive Monday morning, bringing brisk winds and daytime highs struggling to reach the 40s. Overnight lows could dip below 32°F, ending the growing season for many local farmers.

The National Weather Service has advised residents to protect outdoor plants, pets, and sensitive plumbing as the freeze approaches.

Broader National Outlook

Across the country, the temperature map paints a stark contrast. While the eastern and central U.S. brace for frost and freezing conditions, the western half — particularly California, Nevada, and Arizona — will experience warmer-than-normal temperatures under a persistent high-pressure system.

The cold blast could linger through midweek before gradually moderating by late next week. However, forecasters caution that this could be a preview of a colder-than-average November, driven by ongoing atmospheric shifts and early winter patterns.

Preparing for the Chill

Residents are encouraged to:

• Bring plants and pets indoors before overnight freezes hit.
• Check heating systems and weatherproofing before the next cold surge.
• Dress in layers and limit outdoor exposure during early mornings and late evenings when wind chills are coldest.

The upcoming freeze serves as a reminder that winter weather is arriving early for parts of the eastern U.S. — and it’s time to prepare for the season ahead.

For ongoing weather alerts and detailed forecasts, visit WXII 12 First Warning Weather.