Atlanta, Georgia – A sharp shift in the weather pattern is set to bring much colder air across the southern United States, with temperatures expected to plunge below freezing as far south as Florida later this week, according to meteorologists at AccuWeather. The developing cold snap follows an unusually warm start to 2026 across much of the region.
Southeast Coming Off an Unusually Warm Start to 2026
During the first 11 days of January, several major Southern cities were running well above seasonal averages. Charlotte, North Carolina; New Orleans; and Atlanta recorded temperatures roughly 11 degrees Fahrenheit above normal, while Jackson, Mississippi, measured about 13.5 degrees above average during the same period.
Meteorologists say that stretch of warmth is about to end as a new weather pattern ushers in more winterlike conditions.
Strong Cold Front to Drive Temperatures Sharply Lower
A powerful cold front is forecast to sweep across the southeastern United States midweek, delivering a dramatic cooldown.
“A potent cold front will move across the southeastern U.S. on Wednesday night and Thursday, bringing much cooler air to the region,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson.
Compared to the highs recorded earlier in the week, temperatures on Thursday afternoon could be as much as 25 degrees lower in some locations. Cities such as Nashville and Atlanta are expected to see high temperatures only in the 30s, while New Orleans and Tallahassee, Florida, are likely to top out in the lower 50s.
Forecasters note that the last time the Southeast experienced comparable cold was during the final days of 2025.
Freezing Temperatures Expected Across Parts of Florida
The colder air will push steadily southward, reaching Florida later in the week. Northern parts of the state could feel chillier mornings as early as Tuesday, but the most significant drop is expected Thursday night.
Low temperatures are forecast to fall into the 20s in cities such as Jacksonville and Tallahassee. Farther south, central Florida cities including Orlando and Lakeland could see overnight lows dipping into the 30s.
“Interior areas of central Florida are likely to have a freeze Thursday night,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Houk.
Cold Pattern Likely to Persist Into Late January
Meteorologists say the broader weather pattern developing across the northern and eastern United States may remain in place for much of the month.
A pronounced southward dip in the jet stream is expected to allow repeated waves of cold air and snow to move into the Great Lakes and Northeast. Snowfall could extend as far south as the Appalachian regions of North Carolina and Tennessee.
While significant snowfall is unlikely along the Gulf Coast, forecasters warn that the pattern will maintain a persistent chill across the southern states into at least early next week, marking a notable change from the mild conditions seen earlier in the year.
