Unseasonably Warm 70s Expected Across Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, and the Carolinas Before Weekend Cooldown
ALABAMA — A broad stretch of unseasonably warm air is forecast to sweep across the Southeastern United States, pushing temperatures into the upper 60s and 70s across Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, and the Carolinas by Friday, December 12. Meteorologists note that this warmth is unusually strong for mid-December and will offer a brief “spring preview” before colder air pushes in behind it.
Temperature Maps Show Widespread 70s Across the Deep South
Forecast data from the ECMWF model shows a large warm sector expanding across the Gulf states, with:
• Alabama: widespread mid-60s to lower 70s
• Georgia: widespread upper 60s and low 70s
• Mississippi: large areas reaching 72–75°F
• Florida: broad warmth in the 70s, with some southern zones reaching the mid-70s
• Carolinas: temperatures climbing into the lower 60s, with warmer pockets toward South Carolina’s midlands
This warm push stands in stark contrast to the cold pattern dominating the northern half of the country, where temperatures remain trapped in the 20s and 30s. The Southeast, by comparison, will see some of its warmest December readings so far this season.
Meteorologists Call It a Brief but Significant Warm Surge
Weather analysts emphasize that this warm spell is temporary, driven by a southwesterly flow ahead of an approaching front. The setup allows warm Gulf air to surge northward, producing spring-like readings just days before a colder pattern is expected to return.
This warm sector is expected to linger only briefly, offering residents a short window of pleasant, mild conditions before a sharper temperature drop arrives heading into the weekend.
Residents Feel the Unusual Mid-December Warmth
Communities across the region are expected to notice the sudden change. For many, the warmth will feel more like late March or early April than mid-December. Outdoor workers, weekend planners, and travelers will benefit from the mild air, though forecasters caution it should not be mistaken for a permanent shift in the seasonal pattern.
This warm spell appears to be the “calm before the change”, as colder air already developing over the Central U.S. is projected to move back into the Southeast after the warm surge fades.
Cooler Conditions Expected to Follow Late Weekend
By late Saturday into Sunday, temperatures are projected to slide back downward, with highs returning closer to seasonal norms. Locations currently forecast to reach the low 70s may fall back into the 50s or even upper 40s, depending on frontal timing.
While the warm-up will be noticeable and widely welcomed by some residents, meteorologists remind the public that winter patterns remain active and additional cold surges are still likely later in December.
Residents across Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, and the Carolinas can enjoy this brief stretch of comfortable weather while preparing for more seasonable conditions ahead. Share your local temperature readings and weather observations with the Saluda Standard-Sentinel Team at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
