South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi Expected to Face Dangerous Arctic Blast With Temperatures Plunging Into the Teens Early Monday
SOUTH CAROLINA — A dangerous Arctic air mass is forecast to sweep across South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi early Monday morning, with temperatures expected to drop into the teens and low 20s before sunrise. Forecasters say this system shows strong agreement across all major models, signaling high confidence in a widespread and disruptive cold outbreak.
Major Weather Models Agree on a Significant Temperature Crash
Meteorologists are closely watching the rare consensus among the GFS, EURO, and EURO AI models, all indicating that a rapid and severe plunge in temperatures will hit the Southeast by 6 AM Monday. Forecast maps show South Carolina dipping into the teens, with Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi experiencing similarly sharp declines.
The EURO model projection shows widespread teens across the Upstate and Midlands, upper teens to low 20s across central South Carolina, and mid-20s extending toward the coast. Northern Georgia and Alabama could drop as low as the mid-teens, and parts of Tennessee and North Carolina may fall into the single digits.
Experts note that when all three major forecasting systems align so precisely, it typically indicates a high-impact weather event capable of causing significant disruption.
Cold Surge Poses Serious Risks for Homes, Roads, and Vehicles
The early-morning timing of this Arctic blast increases potential hazards across the Southeast. Pipes are expected to freeze quickly, especially in older homes or properties without insulated plumbing. Heating systems may become strained, and many households could see sudden performance issues.
Even without snowfall, black ice could form on bridges and elevated roadways, creating dangerous travel conditions for early commuters. Vehicle operators may also encounter problems, as cold-cracked batteries and weakened engines are common during sudden deep freezes.
Emergency officials stress that the cold arriving this early in December is well below seasonal norms, leaving residents less prepared than they would be in mid-winter.
Widespread Regional Impact Across Four Southern States
The Arctic front is expected to sweep across a large section of the Southern U.S., impacting millions of people in:
• South Carolina — teens to low 20s across most of the state
• Georgia — widespread freezes, with teens in northern regions
• Alabama — temperatures falling into the upper teens and low 20s
• Mississippi — mid-teens and widespread hard-freeze conditions
Farther north, Tennessee and western North Carolina could drop into the single digits, highlighting the depth of the cold air mass.
This system represents one of the strongest early-season cold waves to affect these states in recent years, with potential for extended freeze durations.
What Residents Should Do Before Temperatures Collapse
Officials advise residents to take protective measures before the cold arrives:
• Insulate or drip pipes overnight to prevent freezing
• Bring pets indoors or provide insulated shelter
• Check vehicle antifreeze, batteries, and tire pressure
• Prepare extra blankets and layers in case of heating issues
• Allow extra travel time Monday morning due to possible ice
Meteorologists warn that even small oversights—like exposed pipes or unprotected pets—can result in serious damage or danger during temperature events of this magnitude.
The Southeast is preparing for a sharp and disruptive drop in temperatures, and residents across South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi are urged to take this Arctic blast seriously. Share your winter preparation steps or experiences with our newsroom at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
