Southern Zone Freeze: Deep South Braces for Arctic Chill, Florida Stays Warm
Southern Zone Freeze: Deep South Braces for Arctic Chill, Florida Stays Warm
As we head into the second half of December 2025, a dramatic weather pattern is unfolding across the Southern United States. While parts of the region, particularly the Florida Peninsula, continue to enjoy unseasonably warm conditions, a potent cold front has plunged a significant portion of the Deep South and Gulf Coast into a deep freeze. This stark contrast in temperatures will define the weather story for Sunday afternoon, December 14th, and extend into the overnight hours of Monday, December 15th, impacting everything from daily commutes to agricultural operations. Understanding these shifts is crucial for residents and travelers alike.

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The Southern Zone, a vast and diverse region encompassing states from New Mexico to Florida, is known for its varied winter weather. This particular forecast highlights that variability, with some areas experiencing conditions more typical of a northern winter, while others hold onto a taste of late autumn. Our detailed breakdown will navigate these complexities, offering insights into current conditions, what to expect overnight, and practical advice to stay safe and prepared.
Current Conditions Across the South: December 14th Afternoon
As Sunday afternoon progresses, the Southern Zone presents a tale of two distinct weather regimes. The majority of the region west of the Appalachians and north of the central Gulf Coast is experiencing crisp, clear, and decidedly cold conditions, a stark departure from typical December averages in many areas. Meanwhile, the Florida peninsula remains bathed in warmth, though even there, a cooler air mass is on the horizon.
- Florida's Warm Embrace: The Sunshine State is living up to its name, albeit with a slight variation. Miami, FL is currently the warmest spot, registering a balmy 79°F, though accompanied by a chance of showers and thunderstorms – a reminder that even warm air can hold moisture. Further north, Orlando, FL enjoys mostly sunny skies and a pleasant 77°F, while Tampa, FL is sunny at 75°F. Even Jacksonville, FL on the northeast coast is experiencing mostly sunny conditions at a comfortable 71°F. These temperatures are well above seasonal norms for mid-December, making for a beautiful, if somewhat humid, Sunday.
- The Deep Freeze Settles In: Moving westward and northward, the cold air mass is firmly in place. Oklahoma City, OK is experiencing a frigid 27°F under sunny skies, while Nashville, TN is even colder at 24°F with brisk winds. These are exceptionally low temperatures for this time of year, signaling a significant arctic intrusion.
- Gulf Coast Chill: Along the central Gulf Coast, cities are feeling the chill. New Orleans, LA is sunny but cool at 54°F with a noticeable 15 mph wind. Baton Rouge, LA is a bit cooler at 47°F, also sunny with 15 mph winds. Houston, TX is partly sunny and 52°F, while Dallas, TX is a chilly 40°F under mostly sunny skies. Further inland, Jackson, MS registers 40°F, and Birmingham, AL is a brisk 34°F with strong 20 mph winds. Little Rock, AR is sunny and 31°F.
- Western Edge: On the western fringe of our Southern Zone coverage, Albuquerque, NM stands out with a relatively mild 56°F under mostly sunny skies and notably calm winds at 0 mph, suggesting it's currently shielded from the most intense cold gripping areas further east.
- Southeastern Inland Cold: Atlanta, GA is feeling the chill at 37°F with sunny skies and 15 mph winds, making it feel even colder.
The widespread sunny conditions across the colder regions are due to the dry, stable air mass associated with the cold front. However, the biting winds in many areas are contributing to significantly lower
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