Atlanta, Georgia – As spring officially arrives in the Northern Hemisphere, parts of the United States are bracing for a return to winter-like conditions. After experiencing record-breaking warmth, much of the eastern half of the country is expected to see below-freezing temperatures this week.
The sudden shift in weather patterns has caught many by surprise, as the warm temperatures of the past weeks will give way to a cold snap. This unseasonable chill poses a risk to agricultural interests in the Southeast, where the growing season is already underway.
Cities like St. Louis and Atlanta are forecasted to see significant drops in temperature, with highs plummeting by as much as 20 degrees in just a few days. The cold air is expected to spread eastward, reaching the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast by Tuesday.
Low temperatures will also be affected, with parts of the Southeast experiencing temperatures well below normal for this time of year. Residents are advised to take precautions to protect plants from potential frost damage, such as bringing them indoors or covering them with sheets or blankets.
Despite the cold snap, temperatures are expected to rebound quickly by the end of the week, signaling the imminent arrival of spring. However, for now, many Americans will have to endure one last taste of winter before fully embracing the new season.