January in the Central Savannah River Area has been warmer than what many residents expect from midwinter, and as the month reaches its midpoint, the pattern is becoming clearer: winter is still present, but it is behaving differently. Several afternoons have already climbed well above seasonal norms, giving parts of the region a spring-like feel during what is traditionally the coldest stretch of the year.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, long-range outlooks for the Southeast indicate a winter pattern favoring above-average temperatures. NOAA climate forecasts show much of Georgia trending warmer overall, even as periodic cold fronts continue to move through. The agency’s Climate Prediction Center reports that large-scale atmospheric patterns this season are limiting how often prolonged Arctic air settles over the southern United States.
The National Weather Service notes that the jet stream has played a central role in shaping these conditions. Rather than dipping south and stalling, it has remained more progressive, allowing cold air to pass through quickly instead of lingering. For the CSRA, this has resulted in warmer daytime highs paired with cool nights, rather than extended stretches of deep cold.
Historically, January daytime temperatures in the CSRA average in the mid-50s, with nighttime lows typically falling into the mid-30s. Over a full January, highs are usually confined to the upper 50s or low 60s, while the coldest nights can dip into the low 30s and occasionally below freezing. This year, however, several early-January afternoons have already reached the upper 60s and low 70s, placing them well above long-term averages.
Despite the warm start, freezes have not been ruled out. Weather agencies continue to stress that January remains part of the region’s core winter season. Clear nights following passing cold fronts can still produce freezing temperatures, particularly in rural and low-lying areas. The difference this year appears to be duration, with freezing events more likely to be brief rather than prolonged.
For gardeners and farmers, this weather pattern presents both opportunity and caution. Warmer afternoons make outdoor work more manageable, but soil temperatures lag behind air temperatures and remain the primary factor influencing plant growth and survival. Guidance from the University of Georgia Extension notes January planting in East-Central Georgia can be successful when growers focus on cold-tolerant crops and remain prepared to protect young plants during sudden cold snaps.
Extension guidance identifies several crops that can be planted directly in the ground in the CSRA during January, particularly in well-drained soils. Onion bulbs and sets are well-suited to winter planting because they establish roots during cool weather before bulbing later in spring.
Carrots can also be planted now, as they are cold-hardy and tend to develop better flavor under cooler growing conditions, even though germination may be slower. English peas and sugar snap peas tolerate light freezes once established and perform well when planted early.
Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, mustard and collards are among the most cold-tolerant vegetables and can handle fluctuating winter temperatures. Garlic can also still be planted in January in Georgia, especially for growers who missed the traditional fall planting window.
Read more on collards here.
Extension specialists caution that warm daytime temperatures should not be mistaken for early spring. Sudden cold snaps remain possible, and young plants may still require frost protection. Mulch, frost cloth, and low tunnels continue to be recommended tools for managing winter variability.
As January continues, the takeaway is not that winter has disappeared, but that it has softened. The CSRA has already experienced temperatures that feel more like early spring, yet winter still asserts itself through overnight freezes and fast-moving cold fronts. For those working the land, success this season depends on flexibility, careful crop selection, and close attention to the forecast. Winter may feel different this year, but it still demands respect.
Nick Lovett is an independent journalist with over 20 years of experience in news media and marketing. A former writer for Aiken Standard and Fort Gordon’s Signal newspaper, she focuses on human interest stories that highlight resilience, community and positive change.
