Freeze warnings in Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama tonight

Weather officials have issued freeze warnings in Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama as temperatures are expected to drop below freezing overnight. This significant temperature drop will impact the northern parts of these states and is likely to last into Friday morning. Forecasters predict temperatures could fall into the 20s due to a wave of cold air moving south from a recent blizzard in the northern Plains. This cold snap is part of a weather event known as a "polar vortex collapse," which typically brings icy conditions to much of the U.S. just as spring arrives. The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air around the Earth's poles. This phenomenon can push cold Arctic air southward. A previous collapse took place in February, causing a series of storms across the Midwest and Northeast. This month's event appears to deepen the wintry chill, reaching as far as the Gulf Coast. Residents should be cautious of burst pipes and frost damage to plants. This sudden drop in temperatures could disrupt the spring planting season for farmers and gardeners in affected areas, particularly in Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. In addition, more snow is expected along the U.S.-Canada border over the weekend, impacting states like Minnesota and Michigan. Major cities such as Chicago, Detroit, and New York City may also see measurable snowfall as late winter weather continues into early April.