Millions of Americans who have been enjoying weeks of unseasonably warm weather are now being forced to brace themselves for a drastic change as below-freezing temperatures sweep across the country. According to meteorologists, more than half of the US population will experience cold or freezing conditions in the coming days.

One of the areas set to see a significant temperature swing is St. Louis in Missouri, where temperatures are expected to drop by 20 degrees from Saturday to Monday. This sudden change is a stark reminder that winter is not yet ready to release its grip, even as spring officially begins.

The cold air is forecasted to make its way into the Midwest on Sunday before progressing south and eastward. In cities like Minneapolis and Chicago, temperatures are expected to plummet to 23 and 31 degrees respectively. This wintry weather pattern will extend further south into Tennessee and Alabama before eventually reaching the Northeast.

New York City, despite experiencing a week of spring-like warmth, will face a low morning temperature of 35 degrees on Tuesday morning. The chilly conditions are not limited to just one region, as approximately 182 million Americans are expected to experience below-average temperatures on Monday, according to Fox Weather.

This sudden shift in weather comes after many parts of the country witnessed the warmest winter on record. February, traditionally one of the coldest months, saw record-breaking heat in Nebraska and Illinois, with temperatures reaching the 60s and 70s. The presence of El Niño, a weather pattern caused by a shift in warm water distribution in the Pacific Ocean, played a significant role in this unusually warm winter, according to FOX Forecast Center meteorologist Cody Braud.

As the cold early spring weather takes hold, meteorologists predict that temperatures will rebound quickly by the end of next week. The remaining spring months are expected to be warmer than usual, with April and May likely to see moderate deviations from the norm.

Despite the temporary chill, Americans can still look forward to the arrival of the true spring season. However, for now, it is essential to prepare for the forthcoming freezing temperatures and fluctuating weather conditions as winter makes its final stand before bowing out to the warmth of spring.