Black Friday Morning To Bring Bitter Cold Across Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and the Pacific Northwest
UNITED STATES — Shoppers heading out early for Black Friday deals will face a brutally cold morning across large parts of the country, including Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and the Pacific Northwest. Forecast data shows “feels-like” temperatures plunging into the teens and single digits for much of the northern U.S., as Arctic air grips the region just in time for the holiday weekend. The cold air mass is spreading quickly across the northern Plains and Great Lakes, making this one of the coldest Black Friday mornings in recent years for millions of Americans.
Arctic Air Sweeps Across the Northern Plains and Great Lakes
Meteorologists are tracking a powerful wave of Arctic air moving through Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota, before sliding east toward Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Morning “feels-like” readings are expected to drop to between 5°F and 15°F, with even colder wind chills reported in open areas.
The bitter cold extends through the Great Lakes region, where strong winds will make conditions feel even more frigid. Shoppers in outdoor lines or open parking lots should take extra care to dress in layers, covering exposed skin to prevent frostbite in subfreezing wind chills.
Pacific Northwest Sees Snow and Freezing Rain
In the Pacific Northwest, the same system is producing a mix of lowland rain and mountain snow. Forecast data indicates rainfall across southern Washington and northern Oregon, while the Idaho Panhandle and western Montana are seeing light to moderate snow.
Travelers should expect slick roadways and reduced visibility, especially through mountain passes where snow accumulation is possible. Forecasters urge drivers to use caution and plan for slower travel conditions in the region.
Central States Experience Widespread Chill
Further south into Iowa and Nebraska, cold air is expanding rapidly, keeping temperatures well below normal for late November. Even though these states may not see significant snow, the biting winds will make outdoor conditions harsh through Friday morning.
Wind chills in central areas are expected to stay in the low teens to upper single digits, adding to the discomfort for early shoppers waiting for store openings.
Nationwide Cold Start to the Holiday Weekend
This widespread cold marks one of the first major winter weather outbreaks of the season across the United States. Forecasters say temperatures will remain below average through Saturday before a gradual warm-up begins early next week.
The sweeping chill from Montana to the Pacific Northwest and across the Midwest serves as a reminder that winter is settling in early this year — and that holiday shoppers will need more than just coffee to stay warm.
Stay connected with NapervilleLocal.com for verified national weather coverage and regional updates through the Thanksgiving weekend.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.