Thanksgiving Morning Brings Chilly Start Across Most of the U.S., with 30s and 40s Dominating East of the Rockies

OLDSMAR, FLORIDA — Americans across the country are waking up to a chilly Thanksgiving morning, with temperatures sitting well below seasonal averages for many regions. From the Midwest to the East Coast, the day began with readings in the 20s and 30s, while even typically warm southern states like Texas, Georgia, and Florida are feeling the cool down.

According to early-morning temperature maps, the national average temperature stood at 33.6°F, highlighting just how widespread the cold air mass has become following the recent Arctic front that swept across much of the continental U.S.

A Frosty Start to Thanksgiving

In much of the Midwest and Great Plains, morning lows dropped into the teens and 20s, with wind chills making it feel even colder. Chicago, Minneapolis, and Des Moines each saw readings in the mid-20s, while northern states like Montana and North Dakota woke up to single digits.

The chill extended south as far as northern Texas, where morning temperatures hovered near freezing. Across the Appalachians and Great Lakes, widespread frost covered lawns and car windshields — a stark reminder that winter’s grip is already tightening.

“It’s a true Thanksgiving chill for much of the country,” meteorologists noted. “Even areas that saw sunshine this morning are staying cold because of the strong high-pressure system over the Plains.”

Florida and Gulf States Stay Mild — But Not Warm

While most of the U.S. bundled up for morning coffee, Florida residents enjoyed a “cool” start by Sunshine State standards. Temperatures across central and northern Florida stayed in the low to mid-60s, while the Panhandle dipped into the 50s.

Residents in Oldsmar and other parts of west-central Florida woke up to partly cloudy skies and light breezes, perfect for outdoor Thanksgiving celebrations — if you don’t mind a slight chill.

“Yes, 60s are cool to native Floridians,” joked one local meteorologist, adding that the mild air would make for “a perfect turkey day outdoors.”

Thanksgiving Afternoon Forecast

• Midwest & Great Plains: Sunny but cold, highs in the upper 30s to mid-40s
• Southeast & Gulf States: Breezy and cool, highs in the 50s and 60s
• West Coast: Mild and dry, with highs in the 60s and 70s along California’s coast

By evening, clear skies and light winds will allow temperatures to drop again, with widespread freezes expected across the Midwest and interior South.

Nationwide Temperature Trends

Thursday’s temperature snapshot showed:

• Nearly 48% of the U.S. below 32°F
• About 60 million Americans waking up above 50°F
• Only 3.8 million people — mainly in southern Florida and coastal California — experiencing 70°F or warmer conditions

These figures illustrate the broad influence of the recent cold front and set the stage for a continued cool pattern into the weekend, especially across the Midwest and Northeast.

Looking Ahead

The holiday weekend will bring gradual warming across southern states, but northern regions will remain locked in below-average temperatures through early next week. Another system may bring snow to parts of the Midwest and Great Lakes by late Sunday, according to forecasters.

Stay updated on regional temperatures, cold fronts, and travel forecasts all weekend long at NapervilleLocal.com — your trusted source for Midwest and national weather coverage.