Vermont and upstate New York experience earliest snow in years

On October 17, 2024, residents in Vermont and upstate New York experienced an early winter, with significant snowfall marking the earliest occurrence of such weather in 14 years. Mount Mansfield in Vermont received 12 inches of snow, while Whiteface Mountain in New York saw 15 inches. This snowfall ties with 2010 for the earliest date that snow depth at Mount Mansfield has reached a foot, as reported by the National Weather Service. The cold front affected millions across the eastern United States, with frost and freeze alerts issued in 20 states, including Arkansas, Alabama, and North Carolina. The chilly temperatures extended as far south as Tampa Bay, Florida, where temperatures dropped to the 50s. Despite the cold snap, a warm-up is anticipated over the weekend, with temperatures expected to rise into the 70s in the Northeast and the 80s in the South. Additionally, a major winter storm was moving through the Pacific Northwest, prompting fire weather alerts in parts of the West Coast due to dry conditions and gusty winds. This combination of early snowfall and impending warm weather highlights the unpredictable nature of seasonal weather patterns in the United States.