Millions of Americans are being stung by the coldest Thanksgiving week in recent years.
Temperature drops have hit multiple major U.S. cities, with figures lower than the 5-year average for the week of November 27 to December 3.
The most extreme drop is in Anchorage, Alaska, where temperatures of 11 degrees Fahrenheit are 10.15 F below the city's 5-year average of 21.15 F—or 47.99 percent lower.
In the Northeast, Philadelphia is seeing average temperatures of 37.36 F, which is 5.56 F below the 5-year average—a 12.95 percent drop. In Boston, temperatures are falling by 4.06 F (10.07 percent) to 37.36 F. New York City is also colder than usual for Thanksgiving week, with an average temperature of 38.29 F—a 5.36 F degree (12.28 percent) drop.
Over in the Midwest, both Detroit and Chicago are being hit by the cold, with Detroit an average of 4.55 F cooler at 31.5 F and Chicago seeing temperatures of 27.5 F, which is 22.32 percent below the 5-year average of 35.4 F.
Denver, Colorado, is experiencing average temperatures of 33.93°F this week, 0.27 F below the average for the past five years.
Heading out West, Seattle has average temperatures of 41.71 F—which is 1.92 F down from the 5-year average.
Two California cities are also enduring temperature drops. Sacramento has an average this week of 46.64 F (2.93 F below the 5-year average) and in San Francisco the figure is 53.14 F (a 1.21 F drop).
In the nation's capital, Washington D.C., temperatures this week average 37.93 F, which is 7.64 F below the 5-year average and a deviation of 16.76 percent.
Moving South, average temperatures in Houston in Texas are 57.43 F—0.92 F below the 5-year figure.
In Florida, four cities are colder this week: Miami's average temperature is 72.43 F (0.64 F lower than that of the past five years); Gainesville 56.14 F (3.76 F lower); Orlando 61.5 F (4.38 F below the average); and Tampa 62.14 F (down 5.18 F).
Bucking the Trend
Residents in some cities will enjoy warmer than average temperatures, including Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Park City, Utah.
However, winter weather warnings have been issued for eight states as heavy snow, gusty winds and dangerous travel conditions are expected over the holiday weekend.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued full winter storm warnings in Wyoming, Alaska, Colorado and Utah.
Weather advisories are also in effect for parts of Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico and Nevada.
Up to 36 inches of snow could accumulate in some areas, with winds reaching speeds of up to 55 mph. The hazardous conditions are expected to significantly impact Thanksgiving travel, with reduced visibility and snow-covered roads making driving conditions treacherous.
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