A rare winter storm has hit the Southern states, bringing record-breaking snowfall and freezing temperatures to regions that rarely experience such extreme winter weather. As millions of people struggle with icy roads and power outages, many are wondering: When will the South start warming up again?
Historic Snowfall and Freezing Conditions
On Wednesday, nearly 3 million people across the South were under extreme cold warnings, with millions more facing cold weather advisories. States like Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, and even Florida were affected by the arctic blast.
New Orleans International Airport recorded 8 inches of snow, breaking a 60-year-old record. In Florida, Pensacola saw 7.6 inches of snow, smashing a 130-year-old record, while Milton received nearly 10 inches. Mississippi experienced close to a foot of snow in some areas.
The storm first hit Texas on Tuesday, then moved across the Southeast, causing multiple deaths and widespread disruption. Many Southern cities, unprepared for such conditions, struggled to clear roads due to a lack of snowplows and other winter-weather equipment.
Dangerous Road Conditions and Travel Warnings
Authorities are urging residents to stay off the roads as icy conditions persist. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Mobile, Alabama, warned that heavily trafficked roads have turned into “temporary ice skating rinks,” making travel extremely dangerous.
Meteorologist Frank Pereira from the National Weather Service reported that the worst of the snowfall has ended. However, the lingering effects—including icy roads and power outages—will continue for several days.
Since many Southern states don’t have the necessary equipment to clear roads quickly, residents must wait for warmer temperatures to melt the ice. Pereira said this natural thawing process could take a couple of days.
Slow Recovery and Freezing Nights
The good news? Temperatures are expected to rise slightly on Thursday. However, forecasters warn that the melted snow could refreeze at night, creating black ice—one of the most dangerous driving hazards.
According to the National Weather Service, power outages along the Gulf Coast and Southeast will worsen the cold-related risks, making it even more critical for residents to stay warm and safe.
While daytime highs will be 5 to 15 degrees below normal, nighttime temperatures will continue to drop below freezing through Saturday.
When Will the South Warm Up Again?
Relief is on the way! The National Weather Service in Mobile, Alabama, assured residents, “We will eventually thaw.”
By the weekend, temperatures will start returning to normal. The warming trend will move from west to east, beginning with Texas and Louisiana on Sunday. Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas will experience a gradual warm-up by Monday.
For example, in Charleston, South Carolina, Saturday night’s low will be 29°F, but by Sunday night, it will rise to 37°F. After that, daytime temperatures will return to the 50s, and lows will stay in the upper 30s.
By early next week, much of the South will see normal winter temperatures again, with 60s and 70s returning across Florida and the Gulf Coast.
This unexpected winter storm has brought historic snowfall, icy roads, and record-breaking cold to the South, disrupting daily life in many states. However, with a gradual warm-up expected next week, things should return to normal soon. Until then, residents are urged to stay off the roads, stay warm, and remain patient as nature takes its course.
