Arctic Blast Freezes Alabama, Georgia, and Florida as Temperatures Plunge Into the Teens and 20s

ALABAMA — A powerful surge of Arctic air has plunged across the Deep South, sending temperatures tumbling into the teens and 20s across Alabama, Georgia, and northern Florida, while the Midwest continues to experience subzero wind chills. Meteorologists warn that this morning’s cold is among the most widespread and biting early-winter outbreaks of the season.

The National Weather Service reported freezing temperatures stretching from Missouri and Kentucky down to the Gulf Coast, with overnight lows in Alabama and Georgia dipping between 15°F and 25°F. Even as far south as Jacksonville and Tallahassee, morning wind chills hovered near freezing.

Arctic Air Arrives Overnight Across the South

According to WeatherBell Analytics, the Arctic front swept into the region overnight, rapidly dropping temperatures by more than 25 degrees in less than 12 hours.

In Alabama, drivers could be seen warming vehicles long before sunrise, while families bundled up children at bus stops in record-breaking chill. One meteorologist joked that “kids looked like misplaced penguins” as the blast arrived uninvited and flipped thermostats across the South.

The cold was equally harsh in Georgia, where communities across Atlanta, Macon, and Augusta woke to readings in the upper teens and low 20s. Pipes froze, car batteries failed, and outdoor pets were urged indoors amid wind chills dipping below 15°F.

Further south, Florida’s Panhandle and parts of north-central regions like Lake City and Gainesville experienced lows in the upper 20s, a rarity for mid-December. Coastal areas, including Pensacola and Panama City, reported the coldest morning since early 2022.

Cold Spreads From Midwest to Gulf Coast

Weather models show that the Arctic mass originated in the Midwest, where temperatures in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio struggled to climb above 10°F. As the front moved southward, it spread deep into the Southeast, with cold air extending nearly to the Gulf of Mexico.

“The contrast between the Gulf’s warm waters and the bitter inland temperatures is creating sharp weather boundaries,” forecasters said. “North of us is the freezer aisle. South of us is pretending it’s fine — but lying through its teeth.”

Residents Battle Frozen Pipes and Heating Issues

Reports of burst pipes, heating failures, and frozen faucets poured in overnight from multiple counties. In Birmingham and Atlanta, public utilities urged residents to let faucets drip to prevent line ruptures. Animal shelters across the region extended operating hours to protect stray pets from life-threatening cold exposure.

“Pipes are stressed. Pets are offended. People walking outside are making that cold-pain face where your soul leaves your body for three seconds,” one forecaster wrote in a widely shared local post.

Even Florida saw unusual frost patterns along roadsides and rooftops as the cold air sank southward.

Cold to Persist Through Tuesday Before Gradual Warm-Up

Meteorologists predict that the bitter cold will linger through Tuesday morning, with overnight lows remaining below freezing for much of Alabama and Georgia. Temperatures are expected to gradually rise midweek, with daytime highs returning to the upper 40s and 50s by Wednesday.

However, wind chills across the South will remain in the single digits to low teens for another 24 hours. Officials warn that frostbite and hypothermia risks remain elevated for anyone exposed for extended periods.

Coping With the Cold

Despite the Arctic outbreak, many Southerners are handling the deep freeze with humor. Social media is filled with lighthearted posts of bundled-up families, steaming coffee cups, and jokes about the Gulf Coast “pretending to be tropical.”

Safety officials, however, continue urging residents to take precautions.
“Check on your family, bring pets inside, and don’t underestimate this cold,” said one local emergency manager. “This morning isn’t normal — it’s ferally cold.”

For ongoing weather alerts and regional forecasts, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.