Summary (tl;dr)

Multiple states across the southern and southeastern United States are currently under freeze warnings as a powerful cold front brings sub-freezing temperatures, posing risks to sensitive plants and outdoor plumbing.

Essential Background

A freeze warning is issued by the National Weather Service when temperatures are forecast to drop below 32°F (0°C) for an extended period, a threshold that can damage or kill commercial crops and residential plants. These warnings are critical for protecting agriculture and preventing damage to water systems, such as pipes and garden hoses, which can burst when water freezes and expands. While global climate change has generally reduced the frequency of cold spells, episodic extreme cold events can still occur due to short-term weather patterns and natural climate variability, leading to unexpected freeze conditions in regions not typically accustomed to them.

The Full Story

"Freeze warning" is trending as a significant cold front sweeps across the southern U.S., prompting the National Weather Service to issue freeze warnings and watches for at least eight states. These warnings are in effect from March 16 into March 17, 2026, with temperatures expected to plummet to as low as 10°F (-12°C) in parts of Arkansas, and between 19°F to 28°F (-7°C to -2°C) in many other affected areas. Gusty post-frontal winds are reinforcing the cold air mass, making conditions feel even colder. Areas like Central Alabama are anticipating lows between 22 and 29 degrees Fahrenheit with wind chills potentially dropping to 14 to 26 degrees Fahrenheit. North Georgia is also under a freeze warning with temperatures expected to fall into the 20s.

Why It Matters

These freeze warnings are significant because the forecasted sub-freezing temperatures can cause widespread damage. Sensitive vegetation and unprotected crops are at high risk of being harmed or killed. Homeowners are advised to take precautions to protect outdoor plumbing, as frozen and bursting pipes can lead to costly structural damage and disruptions. The occurrence of such cold snaps in regions that might not be fully prepared highlights the increasing volatility of weather patterns, even as the climate generally warms, making preparedness for unexpected extreme events crucial for communities and industries.

Geographic Location

• Arkansas, United States (widespread freeze warnings and watches issued)
  • Sevier County, Arkansas, United States (Freeze Warning from 00:00 to 09:00 LT on March 16)
  • Howard County, Arkansas, United States (Freeze Warning from 00:00 to 09:00 LT on March 16)
  • Little River County, Arkansas, United States (Freeze Warning from 00:00 to 09:00 LT on March 16)
  • Hempstead County, Arkansas, United States (Freeze Warning from 00:00 to 09:00 LT on March 16)
  • Nevada County, Arkansas, United States (Freeze Warning from 00:00 to 09:00 LT on March 16)
  • Miller County, Arkansas, United States (Freeze Warning from 00:00 to 09:00 LT on March 16)
  • Lafayette County, Arkansas, United States (Freeze Warning from 00:00 to 09:00 LT on March 16)
  • Columbia County, Arkansas, United States (Freeze Warning from 00:00 to 09:00 LT on March 16)
  • Union County, Arkansas, United States (Freeze Warning from 00:00 to 09:00 LT on March 16)
• Mississippi, United States (widespread freeze warnings and watches issued)
  • DeSoto County, Mississippi, United States (Freeze Warnings from 04:00 to 12:00 LT on March 16)
  • Marshall County, Mississippi, United States (Freeze Warnings from 04:00 to 12:00 LT on March 16)
  • Benton County, Mississippi, United States (Freeze Warnings from 04:00 to 12:00 LT on March 16)
  • Tippah County, Mississippi, United States (Freeze Warnings from 04:00 to 12:00 LT on March 16)
  • Alcorn County, Mississippi, United States (Freeze Warnings from 04:00 to 12:00 LT on March 16)
  • Tishomingo County, Mississippi, United States (Freeze Warnings from 04:00 to 12:00 LT on March 16)
  • Tunica County, Mississippi, United States (Freeze Warnings from 04:00 to 12:00 LT on March 16)
  • Tate County, Mississippi, United States (Freeze Warnings from 04:00 to 12:00 LT on March 16)
  • Prentiss County, Mississippi, United States (Freeze Warnings from 04:00 to 12:00 LT on March 16)
  • Coahoma County, Mississippi, United States (Freeze Warnings from 04:00 to 12:00 LT on March 16)
  • Quitman County, Mississippi, United States (Freeze Warnings from 04:00 to 12:00 LT on March 16)
  • Panola County, Mississippi, United States (Freeze Warnings from 04:00 to 12:00 LT on March 16)
  • Lafayette County, Mississippi, United States (Freeze Warnings from 04:00 to 12:00 LT on March 16)
  • Union County, Mississippi, United States (Freeze Warnings from 04:00 to 12:00 LT on March 16)
  • Pontotoc County, Mississippi, United States (Freeze Warnings from 04:00 to 12:00 LT on March 16)
  • Tallahatchie County, Mississippi, United States (Freeze Warnings from 04:00 to 12:00 LT on March 16)
  • Yalobusha County, Mississippi, United States (Freeze Warnings from 04:00 to 12:00 LT on March 16)
  • Calhoun County, Mississippi, United States (Freeze Warnings from 04:00 to 12:00 LT on March 16)
• Missouri, United States (widespread freeze warnings and watches issued)
• Tennessee, United States (widespread freeze warnings and watches issued)
• Alabama, United States (widespread freeze warnings and watches issued)
  • Bibb County, Alabama, United States (Freeze Warning from Monday, March 16, at 10 p.m. to Tuesday, March 17, at 10 a.m.)
  • Fayette County, Alabama, United States (Freeze Warning from Monday, March 16, at 10 p.m. to Tuesday, March 17, at 10 a.m.)
  • Greene County, Alabama, United States (Freeze Warning from Monday, March 16, at 10 p.m. to Tuesday, March 17, at 10 a.m.)
  • Hale County, Alabama, United States (Freeze Warning from Monday, March 16, at 10 p.m. to Tuesday, March 17, at 10 a.m.)
  • Lamar County, Alabama, United States (Freeze Warning from Monday, March 16, at 10 p.m. to Tuesday, March 17, at 10 a.m.)
  • Perry County, Alabama, United States (Freeze Warning from Monday, March 16, at 10 p.m. to Tuesday, March 17, at 10 a.m.)
  • Pickens County, Alabama, United States (Freeze Warning from Monday, March 16, at 10 p.m. to Tuesday, March 17, at 10 a.m.)
  • Sumter County, Alabama, United States (Freeze Warning from Monday, March 16, at 10 p.m. to Tuesday, March 17, at 10 a.m.)
  • Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, United States (Freeze Warning from Monday, March 16, at 10 p.m. to Tuesday, March 17, at 10 a.m.)
  • Walker County, Alabama, United States (Freeze Warning from Monday, March 16, at 10 p.m. to Tuesday, March 17, at 10 a.m.)
• Louisiana, United States (widespread freeze warnings and watches issued)
• Oklahoma, United States (widespread freeze warnings and watches issued)
• Texas, United States (widespread freeze warnings and watches issued)
• North Georgia, Georgia, United States (Freeze warning from Monday night at 11 p.m. until Tuesday morning at 10 a.m.)
• Northern Lancaster County, South Carolina, United States (Freeze Watch from Tuesday 4:00 AM EDT until Tuesday 10:00 AM EDT)
• Southern Lancaster County, South Carolina, United States (Freeze Watch from Tuesday 4:00 AM EDT until Tuesday 10:00 AM EDT)