Thanksgiving Cold Snap to Hit the South: Near-Freezing Temperatures Expected Across Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA — A sharp blast of Arctic air is making its way across the Southeast just in time for Thanksgiving, bringing near-freezing temperatures and breezy conditions that will have residents reaching for their warmest coats.
Meteorologists say highs on Wednesday will hover near 60°F, but the real chill arrives overnight into Thursday as temperatures plunge into the 30s across Alabama, Mississippi, and parts of Georgia. By Thanksgiving morning, many areas could see frost or near-freezing lows, with a widespread freeze expected by early Friday.
Cold Front Timing and Impact
According to the National Blend of Models (NBM), temperatures are expected to drop 25 to 30 degrees behind the advancing cold front, marking one of the coldest mornings so far this fall season for the Deep South.
The cold air mass will extend across multiple states, including:
- Northern and Central Alabama – Lows near 32°F and highs struggling to reach the low 50s.
- Mississippi – Morning readings in the mid-30s, with areas north of Jackson dipping close to freezing.
- Georgia – Temperatures ranging from the upper 20s in the north to the upper 30s across the southern counties.
Wind chills are expected to make it feel even colder, especially on Thanksgiving morning, with brisk northwest winds reaching 15–25 mph in some areas.
“This system is ushering in a true winter preview,” forecasters said. “We’re talking about hard freezes in isolated pockets and the first widespread frost for much of the region.”
Thanksgiving Day Forecast
The Thanksgiving holiday itself will start cold but sunny, offering at least some relief from the biting morning air. Highs are expected to top out in the low 50s for most of Alabama and Mississippi, while Georgia could see slightly warmer highs in the mid-50s by afternoon.
Despite the sunshine, meteorologists warn that the breeze will linger throughout the day, keeping wind chills in the 40s for many celebrating outdoors.
Travelers heading home for Thanksgiving gatherings are being urged to check for icy patches on bridges and overpasses during early morning hours and to protect sensitive plants, outdoor pets, and water lines from the cold.
Widespread Freeze Likely Friday Morning
By Friday morning, forecasters say temperatures will likely reach their lowest point of the week, with widespread freezing conditions across much of the southern U.S. The coldest readings are projected across northern Alabama and central Mississippi, where lows could dip into the upper 20s.
“This will be the first major freeze of the season for many areas,” meteorologists said, “and it’s coming right on the heels of Thanksgiving celebrations.”
The National Weather Service recommends taking precautions such as covering plants, disconnecting garden hoses, and ensuring heaters and fireplaces are safely operational ahead of the freeze.
Looking Ahead
The weekend is expected to bring a gradual rebound, with highs returning to the upper 50s and 60s by Saturday afternoon as winds calm and skies remain clear.
Still, forecasters note that this early-season chill is a strong reminder of winter’s approach. Even in the Deep South, the Thanksgiving weekend is shaping up to feel much more like December than late November.
For continuing updates on weather developments and safety alerts across the region, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
