This autumn's highly anticipated first real cold front is finally expected to hit the New Orleans metro area Tuesday night, slashing temperatures by up to 15 degrees and offering the potential opportunity to wear a sweater, or, if we're lucky, maybe even a light jacket.

A cold front is forecast to stretch across much of the central and eastern U.S. this week, likely bringing the first frost of the fall season to some areas as it drops temperatures in Florida and relieves Texas from record-breaking heat.

Fall will arrive in Alabama today -- but not all of Alabama. Above are Monday's forecast high temperatures. The front should sag southward today and bring more cool air to the rest of the state by tonight. Nighttime lows are expected to be chilly. National Weather Service

While the Wasatch Front won’t get down to freezing, the lows will be in the mid to high 30s. Elsewhere in the state, there is risk of freezing or the season’s first hard freeze, so sensitive crops or plants should be taken care of accordingly.

Fall-like weather is finally in store for North Texas this week. A weak cold front is passing through the region Sunday evening, followed by a strong cold front late Tuesday. Overnight temperatures should feel comfortable in the 60's and you'll notice the first wave of drier air.

Tuesday evening, a more powerful front with stacked colder air will invade North Texas, bringing fall-like weather.

The first cold front moved through North Texas Sunday night, and the second one arrived Tuesday evening, finally bringing a taste of fall to the area. Unfortunately, no rain will accompany the second front as the rain-free October continues.

October began with hot temperatures. Monday was cooler due to a front, but it will warm up again Tuesday. A strong cold front on Tuesday evening will bring cooler fall weather by midweek.