Tallahassee, Florida — A cold front is moving through the Florida Big Bend on Friday, bringing gusty winds up to 40 mph, slightly cooler temperatures, and a shift toward a drier weather pattern heading into the Christmas period.
According to the National Weather Service in Tallahassee, the front progressed through the region early Friday morning, producing brief wind gusts between 30 and 40 mph, especially along and just behind the boundary. Gusts are expected to diminish as the front continues southeast through the day.
Behind the front, temperatures are forecast to cool modestly, with afternoon highs settling into the 60s across much of north Florida and south Georgia. Overnight lows are expected to dip into the 40s and lower 50s over the next several nights.
The National Weather Service said rain chances will remain well below normal for the next 7 to 10 days, consistent with broader national outlooks showing below-average precipitation across much of the Southeast through late December. The Climate Prediction Center’s 6- to 10-day outlook indicates an increased likelihood of drier-than-normal conditions across Florida and neighboring states.
Despite improving inland conditions, hazardous marine and beach conditions persist Friday. A Small Craft Advisory remains in effect for coastal waters from Okaloosa-Walton County eastward through Apalachicola, including St. Andrews Bay. Seas of 4 to 6 feet offshore and west to northwest winds around 15 to 20 knots are expected.
A high risk of rip currents continues along all area beaches. Officials strongly advise residents and visitors to stay out of the surf where red flags are posted.
Commuters, outdoor workers, and holiday travelers may notice the strongest impacts Friday morning with gusty winds, while boaters and beachgoers face elevated risks throughout the day.
