Southern States: Mild Days, Crisp Nights Ahead (Dec 11-12, 2025)

Southern States Embrace Mild Winter Day with Clear Skies: Your December 11-12, 2025 Forecast

As we navigate through the heart of December, the Southern United States is enjoying a remarkably pleasant stretch of weather. From the sun-drenched beaches of Florida to the high plains of Oklahoma and the desert landscapes of New Mexico, residents and visitors alike can anticipate a day characterized by abundant sunshine and comfortably mild temperatures. This tranquil pattern, largely devoid of significant weather advisories, offers a welcome respite from the more tumultuous conditions often associated with winter.

Today, December 11, 2025, a broad high-pressure system dominates the region, acting as a shield against any incoming cold fronts or disruptive weather systems. This atmospheric setup is responsible for the clear skies and gentle breezes that will define the daytime hours across much of the Southern Zone. While temperatures will vary significantly from the Gulf Coast to the interior states, the overarching theme is one of agreeable conditions, perfect for outdoor activities, travel, or simply enjoying the mild winter air.

However, as the sun dips below the horizon tonight, a noticeable chill will settle in, particularly in areas further north and inland. Clear skies, while beautiful, allow for efficient radiational cooling, meaning temperatures will drop considerably overnight into the early hours of Thursday, December 12. This diurnal temperature swing is a classic characteristic of winter weather under high pressure, reminding us that even in the South, winter still makes its presence known, especially after dark.

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Current Conditions Across the Southern Zone (Daytime, December 11)

Today's forecast for the Southern Zone paints a picture of serene winter weather, with abundant sunshine dominating the skies from the Atlantic to the desert Southwest. Temperatures are notably mild across the board, though a clear gradient exists, with the warmest conditions found along the Florida peninsula and the coolest in the upper South.

• Florida's Warm Embrace: The Sunshine State lives up to its name with exceptionally pleasant conditions. Miami, FL leads the pack with a balmy 73°F under partly sunny skies and a gentle 10 mph breeze. Further north, Tampa, FL enjoys a delightful 67°F with sunny skies and a 7 mph wind, while Orlando, FL is a comfortable 65°F with sunny conditions and a 10 mph breeze. Even Jacksonville, FL, on the northeastern coast, experiences a pleasant 61°F with sunny skies and a 9 mph wind. These conditions are ideal for beachgoers, theme park visitors, or anyone looking to escape colder climes.
• Gulf Coast's Mild Charm: Cities along the Gulf of Mexico are also experiencing a beautiful day. Houston, TX records a mild 64°F with sunny skies and a light 5 mph wind, making it perfect for outdoor strolls. Baton Rouge, LA mirrors this with 61°F and sunny skies, accompanied by a 5 mph breeze. New Orleans, LA is a bit cooler at 58°F, but still sunny with a 5 mph wind, offering a picturesque day in the Crescent City.
• Heartland's Crisp Air: Moving inland, conditions remain clear and bright, though temperatures begin to dip. Dallas, TX and Oklahoma City, OK both report 63°F under sunny skies, with winds of 10 mph and 16 mph respectively. The slightly stronger winds in Oklahoma City add a noticeable crispness to the air. Little Rock, AR is a pleasant 55°F with sunny conditions and a 10 mph wind, while Jackson, MS enjoys 56°F with sunny skies and a light 5 mph breeze.
• Southeastern Chill: Further east and north, a more distinct winter chill is present, though still accompanied by clear skies. Birmingham, AL sees 50°F with sunny skies and calm winds. Atlanta, GA is cooler at 48°F with sunny skies and a 10 mph wind, making it feel quite brisk. The coolest city in our survey is Nashville, TN, reporting 45°F with mostly sunny skies and a 5 mph wind, a clear indication of its more northerly latitude.
• Southwest's High Desert Sun: Out west, Albuquerque, NM is experiencing a delightful 64°F under sunny skies with a light 5 mph wind, a characteristic mild high-desert winter day.

Overall, the daytime forecast promises excellent conditions for travel and outdoor activities across the entire Southern Zone. No significant weather hazards or advisories are in effect, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable day for most.

Overnight Forecast: Preparing for Thursday Morning (December 12)

As the sun sets this evening, the clear skies that brought such pleasant daytime temperatures will contribute to a significant drop in mercury across much of the Southern Zone. This phenomenon, known as radiational cooling, occurs when the Earth's surface rapidly loses heat to the atmosphere without cloud cover to trap it. While most areas will remain above freezing, especially closer to the coast, many inland locations will experience chilly conditions, making for a crisp start to Thursday morning.

• Florida's Overnight Cool Down: Even the warmest parts of Florida will feel a noticeable chill. Miami, FL will cool to a still-mild 66°F under clear skies with a 7 mph wind. However, Tampa, FL will drop to 49°F, and Orlando, FL to 47°F, both under clear, calm conditions. Jacksonville, FL will experience the coolest Florida night, reaching 42°F with clear skies and a light 2 mph wind. Residents should be prepared for cool mornings, especially if heading out early.
• Gulf Coast's Varying Chill: Along the Gulf, temperatures will range from mild to cool. Houston, TX is an outlier, with a mostly cloudy sky helping to keep temperatures milder at 57°F with calm winds. In contrast, New Orleans, LA will drop to 48°F under clear skies with a 5 mph wind, and Baton Rouge, LA to 45°F with clear, calm conditions. Jackson, MS will see 43°F under mostly clear skies with a 5 mph wind, requiring a light jacket.
• Inland South's Crisp Mornings: The interior states will experience the most significant cooling. Dallas, TX will reach 50°F with clear skies and a 5 mph wind, while Oklahoma City, OK cools to 49°F with clear skies and a 6 mph wind. Little Rock, AR will see 44°F under mostly clear skies and a 5 mph wind. These areas will feel quite chilly by dawn.
• Southeastern Freeze Threat: The northernmost cities in the Southern Zone will approach or even dip to freezing. Birmingham, AL is forecast for 39°F with mostly clear skies and a 5 mph wind. Nashville, TN will cool to 37°F under mostly cloudy skies with a 5 mph wind. The coldest will be Atlanta, GA, reaching 36°F with clear, calm conditions, bringing the potential for patchy frost. Residents in these areas should take precautions to protect sensitive plants and outdoor plumbing.
• Southwest's Desert Chill: Albuquerque, NM will cool to 41°F with clear skies and a 5 mph wind, a typical crisp high-desert night.

While no widespread freeze warnings are in effect, the significant temperature drops necessitate awareness. Dressing in layers will be key for anyone venturing outdoors in the early morning hours, and those with sensitive plants should consider bringing them indoors or covering them.

A Look Back: Winter Weather in the Southern States

Understanding the current mild conditions requires a brief look at the historical context of winter weather in the Southern United States. While the region is often associated with warmth and sunshine, winter here is far from monolithic. The Southern Zone experiences a fascinating interplay of atmospheric forces, leading to a diverse range of conditions throughout the colder months.

Historically, December in the South can be a transitional month. Early December often retains some autumnal mildness, while late December can usher in more significant cold fronts. Freezing temperatures are not uncommon, especially in the northern reaches of states like Tennessee, Arkansas, and Alabama, and even occasionally reaching the Gulf Coast. Iconic cold snaps, like the infamous Christmas Eve freeze of 1983 or the deep freeze of February 2021 that impacted Texas, serve as stark reminders of the South's vulnerability to Arctic air masses.

The current pattern, dominated by high pressure and clear skies, is characteristic of a relatively benign winter period. This setup often follows the passage of a cold front, which clears the air and ushers in drier, cooler air from the north. However, the influence of the Gulf of Mexico is always a factor; moisture from the Gulf can quickly return, leading to increased humidity, cloud cover, and potentially rain. The absence of such moisture in the current forecast is a key reason for the clear skies and significant diurnal temperature swings.

Compared to historical averages, these daytime temperatures are generally on the milder side for mid-December, particularly in Florida and along the Gulf Coast. The overnight lows, while chilly, are mostly within the expected range for this time of year, especially for inland areas. This period offers a classic example of a

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