An exceptional early winter cold spell has enveloped the eastern United States this week, resulting in widespread low-temperature records being shattered across the region. On November 11, eighty weather stations throughout the deep south either tied or broke their daily minimum records. Notably, Jacksonville in northern Florida reported temperatures plunging to -3°C early Wednesday morning, which is an astonishing 17°C below the typical minimum for this time of year.
In addition to the cold conditions, the outbreak has brought extreme snowfall to areas of Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. The phenomenon known as lake effect snow became apparent along the southern and western coasts of Lake Michigan, triggered by the frigid air moving over the relatively warm waters of the lake. This process leads to convection, resulting in heavy snow showers that can persist for hours or even days. The snowfall can be highly localized and notoriously difficult to forecast.
Northern Indiana experienced significant snow accumulation, with Cedar Lake receiving 31 cm (12 inches) on Monday alone. Larger areas around the region recorded over 25 cm (10 inches) of snow. Although Chicago was less affected by the worst of the snowfall due to the localized nature of lake effect snow, the city still faced strong snow showers that delivered 5-7 cm (2-3 inches) in various parts throughout the day. Reports of thundersnow emerged as well, highlighting the unusual weather conditions; this phenomenon occurs when strong convection causes lightning amid falling snow.
As conditions shifted, lake effect snow bands began to diminish on Tuesday as the coldest air moved away from the U.S.
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Meanwhile, Typhoon Fung-wong continued its trajectory through the western Pacific after departing from the Philippines on Tuesday. The storm took a turn northward, then northeast towards Taiwan, making landfall on Wednesday as a tropical storm. Despite a significant reduction in wind speed, Fung-wong delivered record rainfall across eastern Taiwan. The town of Suao in Yilan County recorded an astonishing 648 mm (25 inches) of rain by Tuesday. Flood waters reached depths of 61 cm (2 feet) in homes, necessitating the evacuation of approximately 8,300 residents to safer areas. Reports indicated that despite extensive preparations, 51 individuals sustained injuries due to the flooding. Fung-wong eventually weakened further into a tropical depression and dissipated by Thursday, moving away from Taiwan towards the northeast.
