Texas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Ohio, and New York Among States Facing Widespread Freeze as Nearly 80% of the U.S. Drops to 32°F or Below

UNITED STATES — A major cold outbreak is expected to spread across most of the country over the next seven days, with nearly 80 percent of the Lower 48 population forecast to experience overnight temperatures at or below freezing (32°F), according to population-weighted temperature data.

The cold pattern is expansive, reaching from the northern Plains and Midwest through the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and into parts of the Northeast. Even regions that rarely experience freezing conditions this time of year, including parts of central and south Florida, could see temperatures approach or briefly dip below the freezing mark.

How Widespread the Cold Will Be

Forecast data shows freezing temperatures covering most of the eastern two-thirds of the United States, including:

• The Midwest and Great Lakes
• The Ohio Valley
• The Mid-Atlantic
• The Southeast
• Much of the Northeast

Large population centers across Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee are all included within the freezing footprint at some point during the next week.

Population analysis indicates nearly four out of every five people in the Lower 48 will experience sub-freezing overnight lows during this stretch.

Florida Not Completely Spared

While the core of the cold will remain farther north, central and south Florida are not immune. Forecast guidance suggests overnight lows in these areas may approach or briefly fall below 32°F, raising concerns for sensitive vegetation and early-morning frost in locations that rarely see freezing temperatures.

This reinforces how unusually deep and far-reaching the cold air mass is expected to be.

Why This Cold Pattern Is Significant

This is not a short-lived cold snap. Instead, the pattern supports repeated intrusions of cold air, keeping temperatures suppressed for several days. Nighttime lows will be the primary concern, but daytime temperatures will also struggle to recover in many areas, particularly across the Midwest and eastern U.S.

The scale of the cold — both in geographic coverage and population impact — makes this one of the more notable cold periods of the season.

Potential Impacts

While this forecast focuses on temperature, widespread freezing conditions can lead to:

• Increased home heating demand
• Risks to unprotected pipes
• Frost or freeze damage to vegetation, especially in southern states
• Hazardous early-morning travel due to frost or refreezing

Residents in areas not accustomed to freezing weather should take extra precautions.

Bottom Line

• Nearly 80% of the Lower 48 population will experience freezing temperatures
• Cold reaches deep into the Southeast, including parts of Florida
• The pattern favors several days of cold, not just a single night
• Preparation is advised, especially in southern regions

Stay with WaldronNews.com for continued updates as this widespread cold pattern evolves and impacts become clearer across the country.