An arctic blast of cold air is set to sweep across the United States just in time for Halloween, bringing freezing temperatures to every state except Florida. The cold air is expected to resemble airmasses typically experienced in late November and will lead to rapid temperature drops of 10-20 degrees or more in just hours. The cold front has already begun its approach and will reach its peak extent on Tuesday and Wednesday, affecting over 200 million Americans.

The chill will be particularly severe in the Northern Plains, with wind chill values dropping to near zero degrees. Even in the Northeast, which recently experienced temperatures in the 80s, daytime highs next week will struggle to reach the 50s. Cities like St. Louis and Nashville, which basked in mid-80 degree heat just days ago, will see temperatures plummet to freezing.

The National Weather Service is advising people to take precautions ahead of the freezing temperatures, including checking on vulnerable individuals, covering sensitive plants, and dripping faucets. Forecasters predict that the cold front will bring sunny, clear but chilly weather on Halloween day, with highs in the 50s.

So, as you prepare your costumes and plan your trick-or-treating routes, be sure to bundle up to stay warm in this early taste of winter.