New Year's eve temperatures to drop below freezing for majority of U.S.

Those headed out to celebrate New Year's Eve may want to bundle up as arctic air affects much of the nation.

The worst of the cold will focus on the Rocky Mountains and northern Plains, but temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing across a majority of the nation on Wednesday night.

"Temperatures will plunge well below zero from portions of the Dakotas and northern Minnesota at night through the end of 2014," said AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski.

AccuWeather.com RealFeel® Temperatures will be even lower, dropping below zero in cities such as Denver and Chicago.

Florida will be one of the only spots in the entire country to evade the freezing weather with lows in the 60s in Orlando and Miami.

Folks headed to outdoor venues to ring in the new year, such as Times Square in New York City, will want to dress warm to stay protected from the cold weather.

Wearing gloves, hats, and multiple layers of clothing are suggested to stay warm when spending extended periods of time in the outdoors.

Sosnowski warns, "that while the consumption of alcohol can make you feel warmer, it can sharply lower your core body temperature."

Despite dealing with the cold, many people should not have to worry about rain or snow hindering their celebrations.

However, a low pressure system will cause disruptions across much of the Southwest.

The highest impacts will be felt across the region's interior with accumulating snow falling in Las Vegas, Nevada; Flagstaff, Arizona; and St. George, Utah.

Southern California should avoid the worst of the storm with showers on Wednesday clearing out for overnight celebrations.

If you are traveling across this region on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day, you should prepare for delays and allow for extra time to reach your destination.

Know when the precipitation will start and stop with AccuWeather MinuteCast®.

Dry weather and below-normal temperatures are forecast to continue for much of the country heading into New Year's Day.

Texas will be one of the few exceptions to this as rain, drizzle, and even a bit of ice, will spread over the state.