North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee Face Arctic Blast With Temperatures 30–40 Degrees Below Normal This Weekend
NORTH CAROLINA — An unusually intense blast of Arctic air is forecast to plunge deep into the southern United States this upcoming weekend, with parts of the Southeast — including North Carolina and surrounding states — expected to experience temperatures 30 to 40 degrees below seasonal averages, according to the latest European weather model guidance.
Meteorologists tracking the evolving pattern say this could become one of the most extreme cold outbreaks of the winter season so far, as frigid air normally confined to the Arctic tundra pushes southward into the Carolinas, Gulf Coast states, and the Deep South.
Extreme Cold Pattern Expands Deep Into the South
Forecast maps show a massive pool of subfreezing air spreading across much of the Southeast, with temperature anomalies well below normal values. The coldest air is projected to extend from the Plains through the lower Mississippi Valley and into the Carolinas, an unusual reach for late January.
The latest European model run suggests a widespread zone of 30–40 degrees below normal temperatures, signaling a powerful Arctic intrusion rather than a routine cold snap. While forecasters caution that the most extreme values may be overstated, the overall pattern points to dangerously cold conditions developing across the region.
What This Means for North Carolina and the Carolinas
For North Carolina, including the central and southern portions of the state, the incoming Arctic air mass could lead to:
- Bitter overnight lows well below freezing
- Daytime highs struggling to rise much above freezing in some areas
- Increased risk of frozen pipes and infrastructure strain
- Dangerous wind chills, especially during overnight and early morning hours
Even coastal areas and normally milder locations may feel the effects, as the cold air mass presses eastward toward the Atlantic.
Why This Cold Outbreak Is So Unusual
Meteorologists describe the setup as a highly amplified weather pattern, allowing Arctic air to surge far south of its typical boundary. The model depiction shows the southern U.S. temporarily resembling midwinter conditions more typical of northern Canada.
While some moderation is possible as the event approaches, experts agree the signal for significant cold is strong and widespread, making this an event residents across the Southeast should take seriously.
What Residents Should Prepare For
As the weekend approaches, residents are urged to prepare for prolonged cold exposure by:
- Protecting pipes and outdoor plumbing
- Limiting time outdoors during the coldest periods
- Ensuring pets and livestock have adequate shelter
- Checking on elderly or vulnerable neighbors
Officials may issue cold weather advisories or warnings as confidence increases in the forecast.
Cold May Linger Beyond the Weekend
Forecast trends also suggest that the cold pattern may not exit quickly. Even after the coldest air begins to ease, below-normal temperatures could persist into early next week, keeping winter hazards elevated across the region.
Residents across North Carolina and the broader Southeast are encouraged to stay updated as forecasts are refined in the coming days.
What do you think — are we about to see one of the coldest weekends of the winter so far? Share your thoughts and stay informed with continued updates from CabarrusWeekly.
