Arctic Blast to Freeze the Deep South: Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia to See Record-Low Temperatures Wednesday Morning
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI — A powerful Arctic cold front is set to grip much of the Deep South on Wednesday morning, with temperatures expected to plunge into the low 20s across parts of Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, bringing the coldest air mass of the season so far.
The latest NBM 2.5 km model forecast shows a widespread freeze stretching from central Louisiana through Mississippi, Alabama, northern Florida, and into Georgia, as Arctic air surges southward overnight Tuesday into Wednesday.
For residents across the Gulf States, the abrupt temperature drop will feel more like January than early December — and experts are warning of hard freezes, bitter wind chills, and potential heating hazards for homes unaccustomed to such cold.
Temperatures Expected to Plummet Before Sunrise
Forecast maps indicate that by 6 a.m. Wednesday, most of central Mississippi and Alabama will be in the low-to-mid 20s, while northern Georgia could see readings dip even lower in rural areas.
Along the Gulf Coast, including cities like Mobile, Biloxi, and Pensacola, early morning lows are expected to hover in the upper 20s to mid-30s. Further south into Florida’s Panhandle, temperatures may briefly stay above freezing, but only slightly.
“We’re talking about a full-on Arctic intrusion,” said one meteorologist. “These kinds of lows can cause frostbite on exposed skin within minutes and could damage unprotected plumbing or outdoor plants.”
Deep Freeze Across the Southeast
The cold front marks one of the most aggressive temperature drops of the year. Just days ago, parts of the South were experiencing highs in the 70s. Now, many of those same locations will be waking up to temperatures 40–50 degrees colder.
- Mississippi: Overnight lows between 21°F and 28°F, with some areas near Jackson dipping below 20°F.
- Alabama: Central and northern regions could see mid-20s, while southern portions remain near freezing.
- Georgia: Morning temperatures expected to drop into the low-to-mid 20s, especially in the north and central parts.
- Florida Panhandle: Upper 30s to near 40°F, with inland areas briefly touching freezing.
Wind chills could make it feel even colder — in the teens across interior Mississippi and Alabama before sunrise.
Heating Systems and Safety Precautions
With the extreme cold on the way, officials are reminding residents to check heating systems, insulate pipes, and bring pets indoors. Fire departments across the South also caution against using unsafe heating methods, such as ovens or open flames, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or fires.
“This kind of cold can sneak up on the region,” one local emergency manager said. “People need to prepare their homes tonight — once this air settles in, it’s going to stay cold for a while.”
The rapid temperature plunge will likely trigger heating surges across regional power grids, especially during the early morning hours.
Cold Extends Through Midweek
The frigid air mass is expected to linger into Thursday morning, keeping temperatures below normal for at least two days before slowly moderating by Friday. However, long-range forecasts suggest another reinforcing shot of Arctic air could arrive by early next week.
Communities across the Southeast are advised to stay weather-aware and take precautions to avoid frostbite, hypothermia, and home damage.
For continuing updates on the Deep South cold outbreak — including forecast changes and safety information — stay connected with SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com, your reliable source for weather coverage across the region.
