The United States is experiencing an early taste of winter as freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall blanket several regions. According to ABC News, this blast of winter weather is on the move, with record low temperatures expected in various states over the next 24 hours.

On Wednesday morning, a total of 18 states from Texas to Connecticut were on high alert for freezing conditions. Major cities such as Dallas, Atlanta, Raleigh, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia were among those affected. Additionally, a lake effect snow warning was issued for northern Ohio and Pennsylvania, with some areas already receiving up to 10 inches of snow.

As the cold front continues to progress, the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions will experience the core of the coldest air by Thursday morning. Northern New England could see temperatures dropping into the teens, while the I-95 corridor can expect temperatures ranging from the 20s to 30s. Notably, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia may see their first freeze of the season, while New York City will hover around the middle 30s. Areas outside of New York are expected to experience temperatures in the 20s.

The recent Halloween celebrations were marked by the first measurable snowfall for various Midwest cities. Minneapolis observed nearly 3 inches of snow, making it the first white Halloween for the city since 1991, as reported by the NWS. Chicago also experienced almost an inch of snow on Tuesday, marking only the third time in history that measurable snowfall occurred on Halloween. Furthermore, heavy and wet snow in western Michigan caused power outages as snow-laden leaves weighed down power lines.

Michigan witnessed significant snowfall, with regions outside of Grand Rapids accumulating up to 11 inches of snow. Muskegon, located near Lake Michigan, experienced the most snowfall on record, measuring 8.8 inches. Additionally, areas near Cleveland and Erie, Pennsylvania, received over 6 inches of snow, leading to slippery roads and some accidents.

Although winter-like conditions are currently prevailing, warmer weather is expected over the weekend. Temperatures in the 60s are projected along the I-95 corridor, and regions near Raleigh could even reach the 70s.

While this early winter blast has disrupted daily life and caused significant snowfall records across multiple states, relief is on the horizon as the weather is expected to moderate in the coming days. Residents are advised to stay cautious and prepare for fluctuations in weather patterns.