UPDATE: Freezing temperatures are gripping much of the Midwest and Northeast as shoppers head out for Black Friday deals today, November 24, 2023. Early morning temperatures plummeted to a bone-chilling 20°F (-6°C), making it one of the coldest shopping days of the year.
Meteorologists from Storm Team 3 report that shoppers should prepare for a frigid start to their holiday shopping with wind chills pushing the feels-like temperature even lower. As people flock to stores for significant discounts, the cold is expected to impact both foot traffic and sales.
Residents and shoppers in cities like Chicago and New York are advised to bundle up, with temperatures expected to hover around the low twenties throughout the day. The Midwest and parts of the Northeast can expect a chilling weekend ahead, with the cold snap continuing through Saturday.
However, relief is on the horizon. By Sunday, November 26, 2023, temperatures are projected to warm up significantly, reaching the upper thirties by afternoon, allowing for a more comfortable end to the holiday weekend.
Authorities urge everyone to stay updated on weather conditions as they shop, and to take necessary precautions against the cold. The extreme temperatures not only affect shopping routines but also pose risks for those with health vulnerabilities.
With Black Friday traditionally heralding the start of the holiday shopping season, this year’s freezing temperatures could lead to a shift in consumer behavior, compelling many to shop online instead.
Stay tuned for further updates as conditions evolve.
