Chilly 40s and 50s Grip Wednesday School Mornings in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and Texas Before Warm Afternoons as South Florida Stays Mild

ATLANTA, GA — Families across the South should plan for a chilly start to Wednesday morning, as temperatures dip into the 40s and 50s across much of the region during the school drop-off hours. A light jacket will be the best choice for students and commuters heading out early, but afternoons will warm up quickly under mostly clear skies, creating a wide swing between morning and afternoon temperatures. Only South Texas and South Florida will escape the morning chill.

Coolest Readings Across the Southeast Interior

Forecast maps show the coldest morning temperatures across the interior Southeast, particularly in the higher terrain of Tennessee, North Carolina, and northern Georgia. Readings in the upper 30s to low 40s are expected across portions of the Appalachians, with a few valleys in the Blue Ridge region dipping near 37 to 39 degrees.

Across much of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee, morning lows will generally settle in the mid to upper 40s. Temperatures near 41 to 45 degrees are common across central and northern areas, while locations farther south toward the Gulf Coast will be slightly milder.

Low to Mid 50s Along the Gulf Coast

Closer to the Gulf of Mexico, morning temperatures will be a bit warmer, with readings in the 50s across southern Alabama, southern Mississippi, the Florida Panhandle, and southern Georgia. Coastal communities may start the day in the low to mid 50s, still cool enough for long sleeves during early outdoor activities.

Texas and Oklahoma See a Wide Temperature Range

Across Texas and Oklahoma, morning temperatures will show a broad range. Much of Oklahoma and North Texas will start the day in the upper 40s and low 50s, while parts of the Texas Panhandle and West Texas could dip into the 30s and low 40s.

In Central Texas, morning readings will generally sit in the mid 50s, while Southeast Texas near Houston starts in the upper 50s to 60s. South Texas will be the mildest part of the state, with readings in the 60s and 70s along the coast and in the Rio Grande Valley.

South Florida Stays Warm

South Florida will once again stay well above the regional chill. Morning temperatures along the southern peninsula, including Miami and the Florida Keys, will remain in the 70s, with some coastal areas near 80 degrees. Residents in this area will not need jackets for the morning commute.

Central Florida will start in the 50s and 60s, providing a comfortable morning across areas such as Orlando and Tampa.

Warmer Afternoons Bring a Big Temperature Swing

Once the sun climbs higher, temperatures will rise steadily across the South. By afternoon pickup, many students will find conditions much warmer than at drop-off, making layered clothing the smartest choice. A light jacket in the morning can easily be removed later in the day.

Parents are encouraged to set out clothing the night before and choose layers that can adjust to changing temperatures. Packing water bottles is also helpful, as warm and dry afternoons can leave students thirsty after outdoor recess and activities.

A Classic Fall Pattern Across the Region

This pattern of cool mornings and warm afternoons is typical of mid to late October across the South. Clear skies and dry air allow temperatures to drop quickly overnight before rebounding during the day, a trend expected to continue in many areas through the coming days.

For continuing coverage of fall temperature trends, school day forecasts, and critical weather analysis across the United States, visit Weather Radar.