Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi See Extreme Temperature Split as Orlando Shatters January Heat Record
SOUTHEAST — An extraordinary temperature contrast unfolded across the Southeast on Sunday, January 25, as parts of Florida surged into record-breaking heat while neighboring states remained locked in winter-level cold, highlighting one of the sharpest regional weather splits of the season.
Meteorological data shows Orlando, Florida reaching 87°F, setting a new all-time January 25th record and surpassing the previous mark of 86°F set in 2023. At the same time, large portions of Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, the Carolinas, and Mississippi struggled to escape the 30s and 40s, with some areas barely reaching freezing.
Florida Breaks Records While Cold Air Holds Firm to the North
The most dramatic warmth was centered over central and southern Florida, where a deep plume of subtropical air surged northward ahead of a stalled frontal boundary.
- Orlando, FL: 87°F (new all-time January 25 record)
- Miami, FL: 82°F
- Jacksonville, FL: 82°F
- Tallahassee, FL: 75°F
This level of warmth is more typical of late spring than mid-winter and was fueled by persistent southerly flow pulling heat and humidity out of the Gulf of Mexico.
Sharp Temperature Gradient Across Georgia and Alabama
Just north of Florida, temperatures dropped rapidly across Georgia and Alabama, underscoring how narrow the warm sector actually was.
- Atlanta, GA: 37°F
- Macon, GA: 43°F
- Tuscaloosa, AL: 60°F
Northern Georgia and Alabama remained trapped beneath colder air, while southern Alabama brushed the edge of the warmer air mass.
Mississippi and Louisiana Caught in the Middle
Parts of Mississippi and Louisiana experienced a striking contrast within the same state.
- Hattiesburg, MS: 70°F
- New Orleans, LA: 73°F
Meanwhile, areas farther north stayed much cooler, reinforcing how sharply defined the boundary between winter and spring-like air had become.
Cold Air Dominates the Carolinas and Tennessee Valley
Farther north and east, winter never loosened its grip.
- Raleigh, NC: 28°F
- Wilmington, NC: 44°F
- Knoxville, TN: 43°F
- Nashville, TN: 32°F
For North Carolina and surrounding states, the warmth seen in Florida remained completely out of reach, separated by a stubborn cold dome that refused to retreat.
What This Means Going Forward
Forecasters note that such extreme contrasts are often a signal of highly volatile weather patterns, increasing the risk for rapid changes in temperature, strong storms, and future record swings in either direction.
While Florida residents enjoyed near-summer conditions, the broader Southeast remains vulnerable to additional cold intrusions as winter patterns continue to battle incoming warmth.
What do you think — are these temperature extremes becoming the new normal for the Southeast? Share your thoughts and stay updated with more regional weather coverage at CabarrusWeekly.
