Thanksgiving freeze: Map shows where temperatures could fall 10 below zero

Cold temperatures are forecast for much of the U.S. over Thanksgiving, and temperatures below -10 F are predicted in some areas, as Newsweek‘s map shows.

The national holiday is just over a week away, and millions of Americans’ travel plans could be hit by an “increased risk of cold and unsettled weather,” according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

The lower 48 states are set to be affected by “a broad area of low pressure in the mid-levels of the atmosphere during Thanksgiving week and into the weekend,” the NWS said in an update on Tuesday.

In the Northern Plains, there is a moderate risk (40-60 percent chance) of hazardous cold, with minimum temperatures potentially dropping to -10 F “with lower windchill temperatures possible.”

The Northern Plains typically include North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota and Iowa.

Much of the Tennessee and Ohio Valleys, as well as the central Appalachians, are at a moderate risk of unsettled weather and heavy precipitation during the busy Thanksgiving travel period of November 27-28.

There is less of a risk (20-40 percent) of heavy precipitation hitting the Lower Mississippi Valley and the Northeast Corridor over November 27-29.

The low pressure may also bring heavy snow to the Great Lakes and Interior Northeast (20-40 percent chance).

There’s a similar risk of hazardous high winds across parts of the East, especially the interior South where the risk shoots up to moderate.

“Thanksgiving travelers are advised to keep a close watch on this evolving situation by monitoring the latest forecasts,” the NWS said.

Newsweek has contacted the National Weather Service via email for comment.

What Happens When Temperatures Fall 10 Below Zero?

Temperatures of -10 F are well below freezing and can cause frostbite or hypothermia, which can be life-threatening, especially to vulnerable people such as infants or elderly people.

The conditions can cause severe damage to citrus fruit crops and other vegetation, as well as pipes, which can burst in homes that are poorly insulated or without heat.

Different temperatures constitute extreme cold in different parts of the country. Near freezing is considered extreme cold in the southern U.S. but temperatures must hit well below zero in the north, to meet the definition, according to the NWS.

Windchill at -10 F can cause frostbite in around 30 minutes, depending on the speed of the wind, the NWS chart shows.

Do Not Travel

The NWS issued a winter storm watch for three northeastern states Tuesday, advising people in some regions to avoid traveling once snow begins to fall later this week.

The weather alerts, covering Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland, go into effect on Thursday afternoon and remain in place until Saturday, when the storm moves out of the region.

“Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are possible with locally higher amounts along the ridgetops,” the Baltimore NWS office warned. “Winds could gust as high as 50 mph.”

The alert from the Pittsburgh office warned of slightly weaker conditions, with snow accumulation exceeding six inches and winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

Winter storm watches advising people to delay all travel until the storm passes apply to: Garrett County, Maryland; western Highland County, Virginia; and western Grant, western Mineral, western Pendleton, eastern Preston and Tucker counties, West Virginia.

“Persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution,” the winter storm watch said.