Deep Freeze Grips the Southeast: Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia Hit Hard as Temperatures Plunge into the 20s

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA — The Southeast is waking up to an arctic blast that has residents from Mississippi to Georgia shivering through some of the coldest temperatures so far this season. Early morning lows have dropped into the 20s across Alabama and Mississippi, leaving many wondering if someone left the freezer door open across the entire region.

Meteorologists say the icy conditions are part of a broad cold air mass sweeping through the central and southeastern United States, sending temperatures plunging far below normal from Louisiana to the Carolinas.

Mississippi and Alabama Wake to Deep Freeze

Residents in northern Mississippi reported waking up to temperatures as low as 22°F, while central Alabama hovered near the mid-20s early this morning. Locals described the shock of the sudden freeze as feeling like “stepping into a walk-in freezer.”

The biting wind chills made conditions even harsher, and many across the region were startled to find their cars frozen solid or making alarming noises upon startup.

“This isn’t just cold — this is ‘my car screamed when I turned it on’ cold,” joked one Birmingham resident on social media, echoing thousands across the state trying to defrost both vehicles and patience.

Louisiana and Georgia Struggle to Stay Warm

In Louisiana, temperatures around 30°F had residents bundled up and running outside to warm their cars before retreating indoors. Farther east, Georgia saw similar conditions, with early morning temperatures in the upper 20s and low 30s across much of the state.

Even Atlanta, which is no stranger to winter chill, felt the sting as wind chills dipped into the low 20s — a stark reminder that winter has arrived early this year.

“We had folks sprinting to their cars and right back inside,” one Georgia resident joked. “The cold chased us like it had a vendetta.”

Florida Joins the Chill — But Not Willingly

Even Florida wasn’t spared, with parts of the Panhandle and northern regions dropping into the 40s, causing what some locals called “apocalyptic confusion.” For residents used to tropical warmth, the chilly air sparked a wave of disbelief and light-hearted complaints online.

“Florida’s gagging in the 40s,” one social media user quipped. “We’re not built for this!”

A Region-Wide Temperature Shock

The latest forecast maps show widespread cold across the entire Southeastern U.S., with overnight temperatures expected to remain well below seasonal averages through midweek.

Meteorologists warn that this cold dome of air could bring frost and freeze concerns to regions unaccustomed to such temperatures, particularly impacting early-morning commuters and sensitive vegetation.

The cold pattern is expected to linger, with wind chills making it feel 5–10 degrees colder than the actual temperature. Some areas may struggle to rise above freezing until late in the day.

Residents Brace for More Arctic Air

While this system doesn’t bring snow or ice, it’s the intensity and reach of the cold that’s surprising meteorologists. This air mass, originating from the northern Plains, has plunged deep into the Southeast, leaving millions in discomfort — and disbelief.

Locals across the region are being urged to protect pets, plants, and pipes, as another round of subfreezing temperatures is expected to arrive by the weekend.

“Mother Nature really said, ‘Good morning, gumbo popsicles,’ and dropped us into the deep freeze,” one Louisiana resident joked online.

As the region adjusts to this unexpected cold snap, forecasters say the worst of the chill will persist through early Wednesday, with a gradual warming trend by the end of the week.

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