A powerful Arctic air mass is expected to descend deep into the South next week, causing a sharp drop in temperatures throughout Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, and parts of Tennessee.
Forecast models indicate that by December 3, much of the region would wake up to temperatures in the 20s and low 30s, marking one of the most dramatic early-winter cold outbreaks this season.
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- 1 Model Data Suggests Widespread Freeze Across the South
- 2 Deep Freeze to Follow Across the Southeast
- 3 Early Warnings for Residents
- 4 A Wake-Up Call for the Gulf Coast
- 5 When to Expect the Chill
Model Data Suggests Widespread Freeze Across the South
According to preliminary GFS model runs, cold air will move south from the Central Plains late Tuesday, reaching Texas overnight and extending into the Southeast by Wednesday morning. Cities like Dallas, Birmingham, Atlanta, and Jackson are forecast to have morning lows in the 20s and 30s, while Houston may struggle to keep above the low 40s.
Meteorologists warn that while this model run is not an official forecast, the anticipated cold stretch could break daily temperature records if confirmed.
“We’re looking at a setup where nearly the entire South—from Texas to the Carolinas—could see freezing temperatures,” one forecaster noted. “If this verifies, it’ll feel like the Arctic just booked a vacation in the Gulf states.”
Deep Freeze to Follow Across the Southeast
The cold air mass will spread eastward, lowering temperatures across the Deep South and Gulf Coast.
- Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia: Lows in the upper 20s to low 30s
- Louisiana and Texas: 20–25°F temperature drops compared to this week
- Florida Panhandle: Upper 30s to low 40s, with brisk north winds
This pattern will also extend to Tennessee and the lower Midwest, where nightly lows may fall into the teens.
A strong trough in the jet stream is driving the cold air intrusion, which will move Arctic air southward. Winds behind the front are predicted to stay strong, making it seem much colder.
Early Warnings for Residents
Meteorologists are warning residents across the region to brace themselves for a dramatic shift in weather patterns, especially in areas unfamiliar with early-season freezes.
Homeowners should safeguard their pipes, pets, and plants, and drivers should closely monitor road conditions in the upcoming days.
“Don’t underestimate this one,” weather analysts said. “We’ve got readings in the 20s showing up across states that were just in the 70s a week ago.”
A Wake-Up Call for the Gulf Coast
For Houston, New Orleans, and Gulfport, this system may deliver the coldest weather since last winter, with highs barely reaching the 50s on December 3. Meanwhile, north Texas and northern Mississippi may wake up to ice and chilly wind chills in the teens.
The early December chill will follow a cold Thanksgiving week in portions of the South, resulting in a colder-than-normal start to the winter.
When to Expect the Chill
- Saturday, Nov. 30: Front develops across the Central Plains
- Sunday, Dec. 1: Cold air reaches Oklahoma and northern Texas
- Monday, Dec. 2–Tuesday, Dec. 3: Deep freeze expands across the Southeast
- Wednesday, Dec. 4: Coldest morning temperatures likely
Meteorologists warn that, while the forecast may change, the trend is consistent with a major early-winter outbreak.
