Arctic Plunge Brings Record Cold Across the South — Snow Reaches Georgia, Alabama, and Florida
ATLANTA, Ga. — A powerful Arctic plunge is sweeping across much of the United States, bringing record-breaking cold temperatures and early-season snow deep into the South — reaching Georgia, northern Alabama, and even parts of Florida.
Meteorologists say the cold outbreak is one of the most significant November Arctic intrusions in recent years, sending temperatures plummeting by 30–40 degrees below average across multiple states.
Record Cold Across the Southern U.S.
The intense Arctic front began its southward surge over the weekend, spilling freezing air from the Midwest through the Deep South. By Monday morning, temperatures in parts of Oklahoma, Texas, and Tennessee had fallen into the teens and 20s, with wind chills making it feel even colder.
Weather models show the Arctic air extending all the way to central Florida, where lows could dip into the upper 30s — unusually cold for this time of year. Cities like Atlanta, Birmingham, and Jackson are already seeing temperatures well below normal, with some areas waking up to ice and flurries.
Meteorologist Chris Nunley shared a forecast map showing the Arctic blast plunging through the entire eastern half of the U.S., noting, “Snow is reaching as far south as North Georgia and northern Alabama, with record cold stretching down into Florida.”
Snowfall in Unlikely Places
The rare cold air has produced light snow in unexpected areas. Flurries were reported overnight across North Georgia, including communities near Dalton, Rome, and Gainesville, while parts of northern Alabama experienced light accumulations.
Travelers along the Appalachian foothills and I-75 corridor are being urged to use caution, as early-morning frost and slick spots could develop.
Meanwhile, forecasters say snow showers could continue intermittently across higher elevations in Tennessee and western North Carolina, adding to totals already seen in the Great Smoky Mountains.
States Under Cold Weather Alerts
The National Weather Service has issued a mix of Freeze Warnings and Cold Weather Advisories across the South, including:
- Northern and Central Georgia
- Northern Alabama
- Eastern Tennessee
- Portions of Texas, Oklahoma, and the Carolinas
Residents are urged to take precautions to protect pets, plants, and pipes as temperatures drop well below freezing overnight.
In Florida, officials have also cautioned that the sharp temperature drop could lead to unusual effects such as “falling iguanas”, as cold-blooded reptiles become temporarily paralyzed by the chill.
Scientists Say Pattern Could Persist
Meteorologists say the Arctic plunge is part of a broader polar air mass descending into the U.S. due to a jet stream shift. While some warming is expected later this week, additional cold waves could follow through late November.
“This Arctic air is extremely dense and widespread,” Nunley explained. “It’s bringing winter-like conditions weeks earlier than usual, with snow, ice, and record lows affecting nearly half the country.”
Preparing for the Cold
Emergency officials are advising Southern residents to stay weather-aware, check local alerts, and avoid unnecessary travel during freezing mornings. Power companies are also monitoring energy demand as heaters across the region run at full capacity.
Residents should keep extra blankets, batteries, and heating supplies on hand in case of power outages. Farmers and gardeners are also urged to cover sensitive crops, as frost damage could occur even in typically mild zones.
The Arctic blast is expected to persist through midweek before slowly retreating northward. However, forecasters warn that another cold surge could arrive before Thanksgiving.
For continued weather alerts and regional updates, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
