Another Freeze Targets the Deep South and Florida as Friday Morning Cold Pushes Farther South in Relentless 2026 Winter
SOUTHERN UNITED STATES — Freezing temperatures are set to return across large portions of the Deep South early Friday morning, extending unusually far south into Florida, as the persistent winter pattern of 2026 continues to deliver repeated cold outbreaks.
The latest cold-weather map highlights a broad area of Freeze Warnings and Cold Weather Advisories, underscoring how entrenched the cold air mass remains across the southeastern United States.
Freeze Warnings Expand Across Florida
The most striking feature in the update is the extent of freezing conditions forecast across Florida, where Freeze Warnings are shown covering much of the interior and northern portions of the state.
This includes inland areas stretching from north Florida through central sections, where temperatures are expected to drop to levels capable of damaging sensitive vegetation, outdoor plumbing, and early-season crops. Coastal moderation may limit impacts near immediate shorelines, but inland locations remain vulnerable.
Cold Weather Advisories Blanket the Gulf Coast
Farther west, Cold Weather Advisories extend across portions of the central Gulf Coast, including areas along southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle.
While temperatures in these zones may not dip as sharply as areas under Freeze Warnings, conditions are still expected to be cold enough to pose risks to pets, plants, and those without adequate heating during the early morning hours.
Georgia Also Caught in the Cold Surge
Parts of southern and eastern Georgia are also highlighted within the cold alert areas, reflecting the widespread reach of this air mass. The pattern shows little sign of quick retreat, with cold air repeatedly reinforcing itself across the region.
Why This Cold Keeps Coming Back
Forecasters describe this winter as “the winter that keeps on giving”, a reflection of how frequently cold air has surged southward during the 2025–2026 season. Repeated upper-level patterns have allowed Arctic air to penetrate deep into the South, limiting recovery between cold events.
Rather than a single brief freeze, many areas have endured multiple cold mornings, increasing cumulative impacts on agriculture and infrastructure.
Timing and Impacts
The coldest temperatures are expected around daybreak Friday, with impacts concentrated in the early morning hours. Even a few hours below freezing can be enough to cause damage, especially in regions not accustomed to repeated cold exposure.
Residents in affected areas are urged to:
- Protect sensitive plants
- Cover or drip exposed pipes
- Bring pets indoors
- Use space heaters safely
Why This Matters Beyond the South
Although the immediate freeze threat is centered across the Deep South and Florida, the same large-scale pattern influencing this cold surge can also affect wind, temperature swings, and storm tracks farther north, including parts of the Carolinas.
CabarrusWeekly.com will continue monitoring how this prolonged winter pattern evolves and whether additional cold episodes or secondary impacts develop in the days ahead.
