After days of unseasonably warm weather, nearly half of the United States is set to experience a drastic change as winter weather makes a comeback. More than half of the country will feel the chill for the final day of winter on Monday, as cold air from Canada sweeps across the nation.

As spring officially arrives on Tuesday, over 23 million people in the Southeast are preparing for below-average temperatures and potential frost damage. Freeze Watches and Freeze Warnings have been issued for a wide stretch of land, reaching from Arkansas to North Carolina. The Southeast will be far from experiencing the expected warmth associated with springtime.

In addition to the cold temperatures, heavy snowfall is forecasted for the Great Lakes, Northeast, and central Appalachians in the first half of the week. A low-pressure system moving across Canada is aiding in the development of lake-effect snow and dangerous snow squalls in the Great Lakes region. Michigan's Upper Peninsula and New York's Tug Hill Plateau could see several inches of snow during this period.

The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) warns of potential frost and freeze damage to vegetation in the affected regions. The recent mild late winter temperatures make unprotected sensitive plants susceptible to harm. Residents are advised to take precautions to protect their plants from the freezing temperatures.

The cold front originating from Canada is expected to push south across the Southeast by Monday, bringing much colder air in its path. Forecasters anticipate temperatures to dip into the 20s and 30s, stretching from the Midwest to the Tennessee Valley on Monday and reaching the mid-South and Southeast by Tuesday.

Travelers should also be prepared for potential disruptions, as heavy snowfall and snow squalls may slow down travel from the Great Lakes region to the Northeast and central Appalachians.

As the country transitions into a new season, it is evident that winter is not yet ready to relinquish its grip on parts of the United States. Residents are urged to stay updated with the latest weather conditions and take necessary precautions to stay safe during this return of wintry weather.