SAVANNAH, Ga. – Anticipate a dramatic weather shift as this weekend’s mild, spring-like temperatures are set to give way to a strong cold front, ushering in winter-like conditions at the start of next week.

Warm Weekend

This Saturday is shaping up to feel more like the beginnings of May rather than early November, with temperatures soaring into the lower 80s, significantly higher than the seasonal average. As the cold front inches in from the west, the warm, humid air preceding it might spark a few isolated showers or thunderstorms between noon and 5 PM today. On Sunday, with the front drawing nearer, another round of scattered showers and storms is expected during the afternoon. Although widespread severe weather is not predicted, there’s a slight chance that some storms could escalate, bringing gusty winds and potentially reaching severe levels, fueled by the current warm air.

Cold Front Brings Big Cooldown

As the potent cold front pushes through on Sunday night, temperatures will nosedive. Monday will see highs only reaching the mid-50s. By the time Monday night rolls into early Tuesday morning, the area is likely to experience a widespread freeze or frost, with overnight temperatures slipping below the freezing point.

Frost and Freeze Concerns

The coldest temperatures of the season so far are expected Tuesday morning, when many locations could see lows in the upper 20s to low 30s. The record low for Tuesday morning is 29 degrees set back in 1943. It’s possible we tie or break this record. Highs on Tuesday will remain chilly in the lower 50s, and another frost or light freeze is possible again Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

Because of these conditions, Tuesday and Wednesday have been designated Weather Aware Days, and it’s important to remember to protect sensitive plants and outdoor plumbing along with people and pets ahead of the cold snap.

Milder Weather Returns Midweek

After the early-week chill, temperatures will begin to increase by Wednesday, with highs returning to the mid-60s and overnight lows staying above freezing for the remainder of the week.