Residents across the Deep South are bracing for a powerful early December cold outbreak that will send temperatures dropping into the 20s and 30s, bringing wind chills unprecedented this early in the season.
Meteorologists predict that by Wednesday, December 3, portions of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and northern Florida will see temperatures cold enough to equal midwinter averages, with wind chills dropping into the lower 20s in some regions.
“This is the kind of cold that catches Southerners off guard,” meteorologists joked online, describing it as the ‘Frozen 3: Elsa Moves to Mobile’ event. “When even Florida is seeing 40s, you know it’s serious.”
Wind Chills and Temperatures
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Forecast models predict a powerful Arctic air mass moving deep into the Southeast late Tuesday and Wednesday.
The WeatherBell Analytics map shows that temperatures are in the 20s and low 30s over Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia, with morning readings in the upper 30s to near 40°F in certain portions of northern Florida.
Wind chills will make it feel even colder, with temperatures ranging from 18°F to 25°F inland and around freezing along the Gulf Coast.
- Alabama: Low 20s inland, upper 20s south; wind chills near 18°F
- Georgia: Mid 20s north, near 30°F in central regions
- Mississippi: Lower 20s north, freezing temps down to Jackson
- Florida Panhandle: 30s expected, with feels-like temperatures near freezing
“This isn’t your typical December chill — it’s an Arctic-level cold blast slamming into the Gulf,” one forecaster noted. “Even hardy southern pines are going to feel this one.”
Why It’s Happening
The oncoming freeze is being pushed by a powerful Arctic front moving southeast from the Midwest, where wind gusts of up to 60 mph will bring freezing air across Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri before dropping toward the Gulf Coast.
This same pattern has transported unseasonably warm air to Alaska, a common occurrence that propels chilly air southward across the United States.
Meteorologists predict that as high pressure settles behind the front, the sky will clear and winds will remain strong, allowing nocturnal temperatures to drop quickly.
Impact Across the South
For much of the Deep South, this will be the coldest air mass of the season, and it will arrive far earlier than typical. Cities such as Birmingham, Montgomery, Jackson, and Atlanta are expected to experience the first widespread frost and freeze of winter.
Residents are encouraged to take precautions:
- Protect pets, pipes, and plants from the freezing temperatures
- Limit time outdoors, especially in the early morning hours
- Check on elderly neighbors and those without proper heating
Forecasters also cautioned that the abrupt decline in temperature could result in increased power demand and slick roads in northern areas owing to frost and freezing dew.
Florida Feels the Freeze
Even Florida will feel the chill this time. The Panhandle will see lows in the 30s, and Orlando and Gainesville may see 40s.
Residents’ social media posts have gone viral, with Floridians joking about “buying parkas at Target” and “breathing icicles.” However, officials are taking it seriously, warning households to use space heaters safely and avoid using stoves for heat.
Looking Ahead
The chilly air will persist into the first weekend of December before gradually subsiding. Highs will rise into the 50s and 60s by late Sunday, but another cold front is already forecast for mid-December.
“This will be a short but sharp wake-up call that winter has officially arrived,” forecasters said. “It’s not just sweater weather — it’s survival weather.”