Arctic Outbreak Forecast to Send Temperatures 20–35 Degrees Below Normal Across Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, the Carolinas, and North Florida

SOUTHEAST UNITED STATES — A powerful Arctic air outbreak is projected to slam into Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, the Carolinas, and North Florida, sending temperatures 20–35 degrees below normal and producing dangerous wind chills across the region. Forecast models show a dramatic temperature crash beginning around December 14, marking one of the strongest early-season cold events for the Southeast.

Models Show a Severe Temperature Plunge Across Multiple States

Both the GFS and European models indicate a deep southward surge of Arctic air, pushing well below the Gulf Coast states and enveloping much of the Southeast. Temperature anomaly maps highlight widespread values 25 to 30+ degrees below average, a signal forecasters interpret as a high-impact cold outbreak for millions.

Projected actual temperatures show lows falling into the teens and 20s across inland Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and the Carolinas, with even North Florida appearing vulnerable to unusually cold readings. Wind chills could drop conditions even further, at times feeling like the upper teens or low 20s, especially during the mornings of December 14–16.

Wind Chills Raise Safety Concerns Across the Southeast

Forecasters emphasize that wind chills could become the most hazardous element of this outbreak. As the Arctic high descends, strong northerly winds will combine with the already frigid air mass to produce dangerously low apparent temperatures.

These values may be severe enough to threaten people, pets, pipes, and sensitive crops, especially across rural Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and inland portions of the Carolinas. Hard freezes are increasingly possible if current trends continue. Meteorologists note that the Southeast—more accustomed to mild winters and humidity—is not well-aligned for deep-freeze impacts of this magnitude.

Graphics from recent model runs show extremely cold anomalies spreading across the region, with the most intense departures centered on Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas, while North Florida experiences its sharpest temperature drop of the season so far.

Residents Urged to Prepare Before the Arctic Surge Arrives

With model consistency increasing, forecasters urge residents to prepare heating systems, protect exposed pipes, and ensure outdoor animals have adequate shelter. Even in the absence of snow or ice, temperatures of this severity can create disruptive and potentially dangerous conditions.

The upcoming Arctic surge is being described by meteorologists as one of the earliest and strongest cold blasts the region has seen in several years, and preparation ahead of time will be crucial.

Are you preparing for this major temperature drop? Share your plans and follow continuing coverage at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.