A dramatic weather shift is on the horizon for the eastern United States, as a powerful early-season heat wave is set to abruptly transition into a significant freeze risk this weekend and early next week. Following a period of record or near-record high temperatures, with readings soaring into the 80s and 90s, a surge of frigid air will sweep across the region, causing temperatures to plummet by as much as 50 to 60 degrees in some areas.