Unseasonably Cold Air to Impact Eastern U.S., Threatening Vegetation
The eastern two-thirds of the United States is set to experience unseasonably cold weather during the first half of May, with temperatures dropping significantly due to cold air masses from Canada. This weather pattern is attributed to a wavy jet stream, which is expected to bring late-season freezes that could damage or kill sensitive vegetation. The National Weather Service has issued warnings about potential frost damage to outdoor plants and possible harm to unprotected plumbing. This cold spell follows an unusually warm March and April, with March being the warmest on record for the contiguous U.S. The cold air will initially affect the Midwest, parts of the Plains, Rockies, and interior Northeast and New England, impacting approximately 17 million people. A second wave of cold air is expected to bring freezing temperatures and possibly wet snow to Northern states.