Record-Breaking December Cold to Hit the Deep South with Wind Chills in the 20s — Florida, Alabama, and Georgia Brace for Freeze

MOBILE, ALABAMA — Residents across the Deep South are preparing for a powerful early December cold outbreak that’s expected to send temperatures plummeting into the 20s and 30s, bringing wind chills rarely seen this early in the season.

Meteorologists warn that by Wednesday, December 3, much of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and northern Florida will experience temperatures cold enough to rival midwinter averages — with wind chills dipping into the lower 20s in some areas.

“This is the kind of cold that catches Southerners off guard,” meteorologists joked online, describing it as the ‘Frozen 3: Elsa Moves to Mobile’ event. “When even Florida is seeing 40s, you know it’s serious.”

Wind Chills and Temperatures

Forecast models show an intense Arctic air mass pushing deep into the Southeast late Tuesday into Wednesday.

The WeatherBell Analytics map reveals widespread temperatures in the 20s and low 30s across Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia, while even parts of northern Florida could see morning readings in the upper 30s to near 40°F.

Wind chills will make it feel even colder — between 18°F and 25°F across inland areas and near freezing along the Gulf Coast.

• Alabama: Low 20s inland, upper 20s south; wind chills near 18°F
• Georgia: Mid 20s north, near 30°F in central regions
• Mississippi: Lower 20s north, freezing temps down to Jackson
• Florida Panhandle: 30s expected, with feels-like temperatures near freezing

“This isn’t your typical December chill — it’s an Arctic-level cold blast slamming into the Gulf,” one forecaster noted. “Even hardy southern pines are going to feel this one.”

Why It’s Happening

The upcoming freeze is being driven by a powerful Arctic front sweeping southeast from the Midwest, where wind gusts up to 60 mph will usher in frigid air across Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri before descending toward the Gulf Coast.

This same pattern has brought unseasonably warm air to Alaska — a classic setup that sends cold air spilling southward across the U.S.

Meteorologists say that with high pressure settling behind the front, skies will clear and winds will remain brisk, allowing overnight temperatures to drop rapidly.

Impact Across the South

For much of the Deep South, this will be the coldest air mass so far this season, and it’s arriving far earlier than usual. Cities including Birmingham, Montgomery, Jackson, and Atlanta are expected to see the first widespread frost and freeze of the winter season.

Residents are urged to take precautions:

• Protect pets, pipes, and plants from the freezing temperatures
• Limit time outdoors, especially in the early morning hours
• Check on elderly neighbors and those without proper heating

Forecasters also warned that the sudden temperature drop could lead to power demand spikes and slick road conditions in northern areas due to frost and freezing dew.

Florida Feels the Freeze

Even Florida won’t escape the chill this time. Forecasts show lows in the 30s across the Panhandle, and even Central Florida cities like Orlando and Gainesville could dip into the 40s.

Social media posts from residents have already gone viral, with Floridians joking about “buying parkas at Target” and “breathing icicles.” But officials are taking it seriously, reminding residents to keep space heaters safe and avoid using stoves for heat.

Looking Ahead

The frigid air will linger into the first weekend of December before slowly moderating. Highs will rebound into the 50s and 60s by late Sunday, but another cold front is already being tracked for mid-December.

“This will be a short but sharp wake-up call that winter has officially arrived,” forecasters said. “It’s not just sweater weather — it’s survival weather.”

For continuous updates on regional cold weather alerts and safety tips, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.