Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi to Plunge Into Low 20s as Powerful Arctic Blast Freezes the South by Tuesday Morning

GEORGIA — A powerful Arctic blast is set to transform the South into a deep freeze overnight, dropping temperatures into the low 20s across Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi by early Tuesday morning. The incoming surge of polar air will bring the coldest temperatures of December and extend the freeze line all the way to the Gulf Coast.

Meteorologists say the drop in temperatures will be swift and severe. By 6 a.m. Tuesday, most inland areas will be well below freezing, with feels-like temperatures in the teens due to biting wind chills.

Arctic Air Sweeps Through Overnight

Forecasters from WeatherBell Analytics show widespread readings between 21°F and 27°F across much of the Deep South, with colder pockets in northern Alabama and central Georgia dipping even lower.

Birmingham: 23°F to 25°F
Atlanta: Around 24°F
Jackson, MS: Near 26°F
Chattanooga to Huntsville corridor: As cold as 18°F–20°F

Along the coast, Mobile, Biloxi, and Pensacola will flirt with freezing temperatures near 31°F–33°F, an unusually sharp chill for mid-December.

“This cold isn’t flirting — it’s kicking the door in,” said meteorologist Chris Jones. “By sunrise, half the South will be questioning their heating bills and their life choices.”

Cold Alerts and Safety Measures

Residents across the region are being advised to prepare for the overnight freeze with the standard “4 Ps” — people, pets, plants, and pipes.

• Pipes: Let faucets drip overnight to prevent bursts.
• Pets: Bring them inside or provide insulated shelter.
• Plants: Cover sensitive vegetation with blankets or tarps.
• People: Avoid space heaters near curtains or furniture.

The National Weather Service has issued multiple freeze warnings and cold weather advisories through Tuesday morning for much of the Deep South.

Widespread Frost and Ice Expected

Commuters on Tuesday morning should plan for frosted windshields and possible black ice on bridges and elevated roadways. Wind chills in parts of north Alabama and central Georgia will make it feel like 15°F to 18°F.

Residents in the Tennessee Valley and northern Mississippi are also expected to experience their lowest readings of the season, potentially breaking early winter records.

“By dawn, some areas will feel colder than the inside of a freezer aisle,” one Alabama forecaster noted.

Short-Lived Cold Before a Midweek Warm-Up

Fortunately, the Arctic air won’t stick around for long. By Wednesday afternoon, temperatures are forecast to rebound into the 50s and 60s, with even milder air spreading across the Gulf states later in the week.

Still, this deep freeze serves as a reminder that winter has officially arrived in the South — with the potential for additional cold fronts before the year ends.

Meteorologists urge everyone to bundle up, check on neighbors and the elderly, and take steps to protect homes and livestock from the freezing air.

For live weather alerts and regional forecasts, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com for continuous coverage.