A significant shift in weather patterns is poised to bring an abrupt blast of December-like cold to much of the eastern United States, starting this weekend and intensifying into next week. This deep freeze, driven by a storm pulling frigid air south from Canada, marks the first true taste of wintry weather for millions.

AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok explained that a dipping jet stream is responsible for the dramatic temperature drop and blustery winds. “This will be the first taste of wintry weather for millions,” Pastelok said. “Temperatures will feel more like mid-December or even Christmastime in many places next week.”

The intense cold is expected to create lake-effect snow bands east and southeast of Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario as the frigid air b

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