Strong Winds, Snow, Cold Air, Severe Storms Expected in Midwest and East; Chilly Pattern May Linger Thanksgiving Week

A potent storm system will bring strong winds, heavy rain, snow and possibly severe storms to the Midwest and East late this week while ushering in cold temperatures that may stay in place through Thanksgiving.

Strong low pressure moves through the Great Lakes this weekend with cold air diving southward behind the storm.

This storm system could cause delays for those getting an early start on Thanksgiving travel this weekend. Details on any travel impacts for Thanksgiving week itself are too early to pinpoint this far out in time(MORE: Winter Storm Central)

Here's an overview of what to expect from the late-week storm followed by an overview of Thanksgiving week.

Late-Week Storm: Cold Plunge Follows Midwest, Eastern Storm

Sometimes, the transition to a new weather pattern is accompanied by a significant storm.

(MORE: When Winter Weather Conditions Typically Arrive Where You Live)

In this case, a sharp jet stream plunge will induce a low-pressure system to strengthen quickly over the Great Lakes and eastern Canada Friday into Saturday, producing wind-whipped snow in the colder air and heavy rain in the warmer air ahead of the cold front. There is also a risk of severe thunderstorms on the warm side of this weather system.

The Great Lakes snowbelts may see heavy snow, and snow or a wintry mix is also possible in parts of the interior Northeast from this system Friday into the weekend.

Friday

• Snow, or rain changing to snow, along with gusty winds, may affect parts of the upper Midwest and the western and northern Great Lakes regions.
• Showers and thunderstorms should spread through the southern Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, Mississippi Valley and South. Severe storms with damaging winds will be possible in the Ohio and Mississippi valleys.
• A wintry mix may develop in upstate New York and interior New England by Friday night.