Southeast Braces for Widespread Freeze as Arctic Air Pushes Temperatures Below Freezing Across Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas
BIRMINGHAM, AL — A powerful surge of Arctic air will blanket much of the Southeast United States on Wednesday morning, driving temperatures well below freezing across Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Forecasters are urging residents to prepare for what could be the coldest morning of the season, with widespread frost and hard freezes expected before sunrise.
Temperatures to Drop Into the 20s and Low 30s Across the Region
High-resolution forecast models show that most of the Southeast will wake up to temperatures between 22°F and 31°F, with areas north of Atlanta and Birmingham dipping into the upper teens. The cold air mass, driven by a strong Arctic front, is expected to push as far south as the Gulf Coast — dropping temperatures to near freezing in southern Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle.
The latest WeatherBell Analytics forecast map shows widespread sub-freezing conditions stretching from Arkansas to the Carolinas, marking a dramatic change from earlier in the week when parts of the region saw highs in the 60s and 70s.
Meteorologists warn that the overnight chill will create dangerously cold conditions for pets, unprotected pipes, and sensitive vegetation across the Deep South.
“Three P’s” Reminder: Pets, Plants, and Pipes
Forecasters are emphasizing the importance of remembering the “Three P’s” — Pets, Plants, and Pipes — as the freeze sets in.
- Pets: Animals should be brought indoors overnight, as wind chills could make it feel colder than 25°F in many areas.
- Plants: Cover or move outdoor plants to prevent freezing damage. Sensitive tropical species are especially vulnerable in states like Alabama and Georgia.
- Pipes: Homeowners are advised to let faucets drip overnight to prevent pipe bursts, a common issue during sudden deep freezes.
Officials across multiple states have already issued freeze warnings and are urging residents to take precautions before the coldest air arrives.
Communities Urged to Check on Neighbors
Emergency management agencies are also reminding residents to check on elderly neighbors, those without reliable heating, and anyone living in mobile homes or poorly insulated structures.
Even brief exposure to sub-freezing temperatures can be dangerous for vulnerable populations, particularly in rural areas of Mississippi and South Carolina, where power outages or limited heating options can exacerbate risks.
As one weather advisory noted, “Make sure your neighbors are safe — even the one who still hasn’t returned your rake. No one should face this cold alone.”
Cold Expected to Linger Before Slight Midweek Rebound
The Arctic blast will keep daytime highs in the 40s across most of the Southeast on Wednesday, with gradual warming expected later in the week. Another reinforcing cold front is forecast to arrive by the weekend, keeping conditions cooler than normal into early next week.
Residents are advised to prepare for frosty mornings and icy winds through Friday, particularly in the inland areas of Alabama, northern Georgia, and the western Carolinas.
If you’re in the path of this Southeast cold blast, how are you preparing for the freeze? Share your experiences and photos with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
