October, which was exceptionally warm across most of the Lower 48, now feels like a distant memory after a cold front dropped temperatures by 5 to 15 degrees as we approach the start of a new work week.

The cold air will move into regions such as the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, where even snow showers are possible at higher elevations.

Cities like Chicago, Cincinnati and Philadelphia, which are used to temperatures in the 60s and near 70s this time of year, are expected to struggle to reach highs in the mid-50s during the first half of the work week.

Most areas are expected to remain dry, but there is a chance of light rain showers in locations downwind of the Great Lakes, which could mix with snow in the higher elevations of the Northeast and New England.

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The large-scale weather pattern will allow for gusty winds from the warm lakes, producing lake-effect rain and snow showers.

Computer forecast models show that areas closest to Lakes Erie and Ontario in New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio can expect the most precipitation, but again, lower elevations will be all rain as cloud cover and warm water temperatures help are keep the air temperature above freezing.

The cold air is expected to push as far as the East Coast and the Interstate 95 corridor, where cities like Boston, New York and Washington will struggle to get out of the 50s on Wednesday and Thursday.

Here you can find out when to expect the first freeze of the season

The cold air is expected to cause overnight temperatures to reach freezing across much of Wisconsin, the Appalachian Mountains and along the U.S.-Canadian border.

The air mass is generally in line with expectations for when the first significant cooling of the season can be expected.

Large portions of the Midwest, Great Lakes, and New England typically experience their first frost in the first half of October, with most of the country experiencing its first frost in late October to early November.

Average first freeze.

(FOX Weather)

The first frost and freeze of the year signify the end of the growing season, as cooler temperatures can damage or kill sensitive plants.

Local National Weather Service offices have an arsenal of weather warnings that meteorologists can issue ahead of the cold weather.

When temperatures are expected to remain generally above freezing but cold enough to form a thin layer of ice, a freeze warning is issued.

Ahead of an event where temperatures are expected to drop to 32 degrees or below over the next 24 to 48 hours, forecasters will issue a Freeze Warning, which will convert to a Freeze Warning as the event approaches.

These alerts are primarily used for agricultural purposes and advise people on the appropriate safety measures to protect endangered plants and crops.

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Unlike cold air masses later in the season, the coming cooling does not appear to be permanent.

Computer forecast models show a range of above-average temperatures moving into the Upper Midwest through Thursday and reaching the East Coast by the end of next weekend.

An area of ​​high pressure across the eastern U.S. and western Atlantic will help easterly to southerly breezes bring temperatures 5 to 15 degrees above average, which could persist for a significant portion of the remaining days of the month.

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