Georgia and the Southeast Brace for Cold Air and Chaotic Crowds on Black Friday as Temperatures Drop Across Region

ATLANTA, GEORGIA — As millions of shoppers across Georgia and the Southeastern United States prepare to line up for Black Friday deals, forecasters say the bigger story may not be the discounts — but the cold air sweeping through the region.

Weather models show a strong push of cold air extending from Texas to the Carolinas, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s by midday Friday — just as crowds begin filling parking lots and checkout lines.

Cold Front Settles Over the Southeast

A surge of cold, dry air is diving south from the Mississippi Valley into the Deep South, dropping temperatures well below seasonal norms. By noon Friday, most major cities across Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and the Carolinas will see highs only in the mid-40s to low-50s, with brisk winds adding to the chill.

In Louisiana and Florida, conditions will stay slightly warmer, with highs ranging from the upper 50s to low 70s, though morning humidity and patchy fog could create slick roads and low visibility for early shoppers.

Meteorologists note that while skies will remain clear, the cold air mass will make it feel several degrees cooler than the thermometer reads — especially in open shopping areas and outdoor mall lines.

“Black Friday’s cold front is here, and it’s bringing that classic late-November chill across the Southeast,” one weather analyst said. “From Atlanta to Birmingham, shoppers will feel the sting of 40-degree air before they feel their wallets lighten.”

Crowded Stores and Chilly Conditions

The cold forecast comes as the Southeast’s 47 million residents prepare for one of the busiest retail days of the year. Across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and the Carolinas, major retailers are expecting heavy traffic and long lines starting before sunrise.

Shoppers are urged to bundle up in layers for early doorbuster openings, as morning wind chills could drop into the upper 30s in parts of Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee.

Temperature Breakdown by Region

• Florida: 60s–70s with humid air and patchy morning fog
• Georgia & Alabama: Upper 40s to low 50s with breezy winds
• Mississippi & Louisiana: Low 50s to mid-60s, cooler inland
• Carolinas: 40s to near 50°F, colder air building through afternoon

Meanwhile, northern Alabama and north Georgia could briefly dip into the mid-30s before dawn, making for one of the coldest shopping starts of the season so far.

‘Black Friday Math Don’t Apply to Weather’

Online humor has already taken over weather chatter this week, as forecasters poke fun at the chaotic mix of crowds, caffeine, and cold. One viral post described the region’s shopping forecast as:

“Wallets crying, boots fuzzy, bougie levels maxed out — and not one person checking the temperature.”

Meteorologists still advise residents to stay cautious on early morning drives, though roads will remain dry and visibility should improve by late morning.

Clear skies and calmer winds will return by Saturday, with weekend highs rebounding slightly into the upper 50s and 60s across much of the South.

Stay weather-aware and shop smart this holiday season — for more regional updates and weather coverage, visit NapervilleLocal.com.