Biting cold air swooped into the United States Wednesday, bringing snow and tumbling temperatures to the Midwest as as windy conditions blow eastward.

The arctic cold was expected to keep temperatures in the 20s throughout the northern midsection Wednesday, with some areas -- such as International Falls, Minn. -- struggling to get out of single digits, AccuWeather. com said.

Snow accompanied the leading edge of the arctic blast, with between 3-6 inches forecast along a line from Iowa and northern Missouri to central Quebec, the weather Web site said.

Arctic air also was expected to affect temperatures in the central Plains states to the Texas Panhandle, forecasters said. Temperatures Wednesday were predicted to be
20 to 35 degrees colder than Tuesday's highs.

The South and Ohio Valley warmed up a bit Wednesday, accompanied by sunshine and less wind.

However, AccuWeather. com predicted the chilly air would spread to the eastern third of the United States Thursday into Friday. Forecasters said the cold snap will trigger bands of snow and squalls downwind of the Great Lakes. Watches and warnings about lake-effect snow are already in effect.