Texas, Louisiana, and Neighboring States to See Sharp Thanksgiving Freeze as Arctic Air Blasts South
TEXAS — A major Thanksgiving cold front is sweeping through the southern United States, bringing an early blast of Arctic air that’s expected to send temperatures plunging across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and parts of Florida.
Meteorologists say the system will hit its stride by Thanksgiving evening, when temperatures are expected to tumble rapidly behind the front, creating a frigid holiday stretch that could extend through the weekend.
Thanksgiving Evening Forecast: Cold Front Moves Deep into the South
By 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, the front will have made its way into much of the Gulf region:
- The Texas Panhandle will already be below freezing, while Central and South Texas will drop sharply through the 40s overnight.
- Louisiana and Mississippi will feel the chill next, with temperatures falling into the 30s by late evening.
- Alabama and Georgia could see frost by dawn on Friday, while Florida’s northern counties will begin feeling their first real cold of the season.
Meteorologists described the system as “Mother Nature kicking the door in mid-Thanksgiving”, moving faster than a typical late November front. The rapid shift from mild to freezing conditions could impact holiday travel and outdoor gatherings across several states.
Friday Morning: Deep Freeze Takes Hold
Friday morning is expected to bring the coldest air of the season so far for many areas.
- Northern Texas and Arkansas: Temperatures will dip into the 20s, with wind chills in the teens.
- Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama: Lows will hover around 30–35°F, cold enough for widespread frost.
- Georgia and northern Florida: Forecasts suggest upper 30s to low 40s, with brisk winds making it feel colder.
“This looks like someone shoved the entire South into a freezer overnight,” one meteorologist joked, noting that the cold front is moving faster than Black Friday shoppers.
States Prepare for the Thanksgiving Chill
The National Weather Service has advised residents across the Gulf and Southeast to bundle up for Thanksgiving events and be cautious with holiday travel as sudden temperature drops can create slick spots on bridges or elevated roads.
Energy companies are also bracing for increased demand as millions of residents turn on their heat for the first time this season. In some areas, the cold snap could even threaten early-season crops and outdoor holiday decorations.
Enjoy the Holiday, But Keep a Jacket Handy
While the Thanksgiving chill might be a shock for states more accustomed to mild November weather, forecasters say the cold will likely ease by early next week. Until then, residents from Dallas to Atlanta to Tallahassee are urged to keep jackets, gloves, and blankets ready for the overnight plunge.
As one local forecaster put it: “Enjoy your turkey, but keep the thermals close — this front’s coming in uninvited and fast.”
Stay prepared and follow NapervilleLocal.com for more weather updates throughout the Thanksgiving weekend.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.