Florida – A rare bite of winter grips northeast Florida this morning as frost coats rooftops and lawns across the First Coast. Breath shows. Car windshields glaze lightly. The cold arrives quietly but carries real consequences for homes, plants, and people not used to freezing air.
According to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, a Freeze Warning remains in effect this morning for coastal Duval and Nassau counties in Florida, along with coastal southeast Georgia. Temperatures have dipped into the mid-30s, with colder pockets inland briefly touching the upper 20s. A Freeze Watch follows late tonight into early Thursday, extending the cold threat.
In Jacksonville, conditions feel more like February farther north. Exposed pipes, sensitive plants, and pets are most at risk during the early morning hours. Officials urge residents to protect vegetation, bring pets indoors, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Drivers may encounter isolated slick spots on bridges and overpasses, though widespread icing is not expected.
Relief begins to build by Thursday afternoon as sunshine helps temperatures rebound into the upper 50s. By Friday, highs climb into the mid-60s, offering a sharp contrast to the morning chill. Even so, patchy frost remains possible early Thursday before the warmer trend takes hold.
Looking ahead to the weekend, clouds increase with a chance of showers late Friday night into Saturday. A brief mix of rain and snowflakes cannot be ruled out well inland early Saturday, though impacts appear limited. Breezy conditions follow Sunday, reinforcing the lingering winter feel.
The broader picture shows cold air draining deep into the East while much warmer conditions rebuild across the Southeast next week. For now, the focus remains on protecting property and staying warm during this unusual Florida freeze.
Five-Day Outlook for Jacksonville, Florida
Today: Mostly sunny, high near 56, frost early
Tonight: Clear, low near 33, freeze possible
Thursday: Sunny, high near 58
Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 64
Saturday: Chance of showers, breezy, high near 50
