Arctic Air Mass to Bring Dangerous Overnight Freeze Across the South as Temperatures Drop Into the 20s From Texas to the Carolinas
TEXAS — A powerful surge of Arctic air is set to sweep across the South overnight, dropping temperatures into the 20s across a wide stretch of the region and creating hazardous conditions by early tomorrow morning. Forecasters warn that this will be one of the coldest mornings of the season for Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and the Carolinas, with temperatures falling sharply before sunrise.
Temperatures in the 20s Expected Across Much of the Region
Forecast data shows a broad and intense cold pool settling over the South, bringing:
- Texas: widespread mid-20s to low 30s
- Louisiana: upper 20s to near 30°F
- Mississippi: 26–30°F
- Alabama: upper 20s to around 31°F
- Georgia: 27–33°F, with colder readings in northern counties
- Arkansas: 24–29°F
- Tennessee: upper teens to mid-20s
- Carolinas: 22–30°F
The coldest readings appear in parts of Tennessee and the Appalachian foothills, where temperatures may drop into the teens. Even major metro areas, including Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Birmingham, New Orleans, and Charlotte, will start the morning at or below freezing.
Officials Issue Urgent Reminder to Protect the “Four P’s”
With temperatures falling quickly, emergency managers are urging residents to safeguard the Four P’s before nightfall:
- Plants — cover or bring indoors
- Pets — ensure they are sheltered and warm
- Pipes — wrap or insulate outdoor and exposed plumbing
- People — check on vulnerable neighbors, especially elderly residents
Forecasters emphasize that frost and freezing temperatures will be widespread, not isolated, and could cause damage to vegetation, plumbing, and outdoor equipment.
Hazardous Conditions Expected at Sunrise
Meteorologists say this freeze is unusually intense for late December and will cause “violent” temperature drops in the predawn hours. Roads, bridges, and elevated surfaces may become slick in spots, especially in areas that saw recent rainfall.
Colder air across the Mississippi Valley and Tennessee region will likely spill southward rapidly, making early-morning commutes uncomfortable and, in some areas, hazardous.
State Impact Snapshot
Texas: The Arctic boundary will bring freezing temperatures to most counties. Grid concerns are not expected to reach crisis levels, but the cold will strain heating demand.
Louisiana: Wind chill and subfreezing temperatures may lead to icy patches on elevated roadways.
Mississippi: Overnight temperatures in the 20s may cause travel difficulties and frost formation.
Alabama: Residents should expect sharp, freezing air with widespread frost.
Georgia: Freezing temperatures will stretch into the Atlanta metro area.
Arkansas: The coldest readings west of the Mississippi River will occur here, with temperatures falling into the mid-20s.
Carolinas: Both states will wake up to a hard freeze, with mountain areas dropping into the teens.
Cold Surge Expected to Be Short-Lived but Intense
This Arctic outbreak is expected to moderate gradually after tomorrow, with warmer temperatures arriving toward the end of the week. However, tonight’s freeze remains the most significant weather threat in the short term, especially for residents unaccustomed to prolonged subfreezing temperatures.
Officials encourage residents to prepare now, dress warmly, and avoid unnecessary early-morning travel if possible. Stay updated on breaking weather alerts and share local conditions at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
