ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — There's an old weather saying, "What happens in November, winter remembers."

A relatively mild December may have dulled memory of the record-setting cold across the Gulf Coast in the month of November (2014) but a January arctic blast will remind regional residents and visitors of winter's presence.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Hard Freeze Warning across the coastal region for Wednesday night and Thursday morning. A Wind Chill Advisory was added to the advisory early Wednesday morning.

Temperatures are expected in the teens with accompanying wind chill values making the deep freeze potentially feel like single-digit readings.

Forecast low temperatures of 18 degrees (F) Thursday morning would equal the all-time low for the date recorded at NWS-Mobile.

Preliminary data from NWS pegged November, 2014 as the second coldest month of November on record (since 1895) in the states of Alabama and Mississippi.

A fall season cold blast in mid-November contributed to those full month stats. A record cold temperature reading for Pensacola an Nov. 19th broke the previous low reading for the date by three degrees, previously set in 1903. Mobile tied its previous record for that date.

Last January (2014) saw frigid temperatures across the region, accompanied by a record ice event late in the month. Baldwin County schools closed for three consecutive days because of the freezing temps and icy roads.

So far, the forecast freeze has altered plans for one long awaited event. The City of Foley announced Tuesday that it's Centennial celebration kickoff and dedication of the new Centennial Plaza will move indoors, to the Civic Center on East Laurel Street, instead of outdoors at Heritage Park. That event will still begin at 10:00 am Thursday.

The Salvation Army of Coastal Alabama opened the shelter located at 1009 Dauphin Street in Mobile for the duration of the freezing temperature event, at least through Friday. They will also help transport homeless Baldwin County residents in need of shelter to the Dauphin Street facility. Those in need can call 251-438-1625, and arrangements will be made.

Here's the full advisory statement issued by NWS: 

...Wind Advisory in effect from noon today to midnight CST tonight... ...Hard freeze warning in effect from midnight tonight to 10 am CST Thursday...

The National Weather Service in Mobile has issued a hard freeze warning...which is in effect from midnight tonight to 10 am CST Thursday. A Wind Advisory has also been issued. This Wind Advisory is in effect from noon today to midnight CST tonight. The hard freeze watch is no longer in effect.

* Timing...this afternoon and this evening.

* Winds...25 to 30 mph with frequent gusts from 30 to near 40 mph.

* Temperature...temperature readings are expected to drop into the mid teens to around 20 degrees late tonight and early Thursday morning across most areas except locations along immediate coast.

* Impacts...temperatures this cold can be very dangerous for people with inadequate heat...pets...and can also kill sensitive vegetation and crops. Unprotected outside pipes may also burst.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

A hard freeze warning means temperatures 20 degrees or lower are imminent or highly likely. During this period of unusually cold weather...check on elderly neighbors to make sure they have adequate heat. Outdoor pets should also have adequate warmth. Area shelters should continue to expect increased demand.

Everyone should take adequate safety precautions with their heating systems...and make sure to utilize Carbon monoxide detectors in enclosed spaces. Extra caution should be used with portable space heaters. Make sure space heaters are not left unattended and are not used near flammable materials such as curtains or bed coverings. Open the faucet slightly for a small stream of water overnight if you have any exterior open air piping.

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or your local news media outlets for continuing updates on the cold weather.A hard freeze warning means sub-freezing temperatures are imminent or highly likely. These conditions will kill crops and other sensitive vegetation.

A Wind Advisory means that winds of 30 to 39 mph are expected. Winds this strong can make driving difficult...especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.