Jacksonville, Florida – A sharp cold snap is set to impact areas along the Florida–Georgia line late Thursday night into Friday morning, prompting a Freeze Watch for much of northeast Florida, north-central Florida, and southeast Georgia as temperatures fall to levels cold enough to damage sensitive vegetation.
According to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, overnight lows could drop as low as 29 degrees from late Thursday night through Friday morning. The Freeze Watch covers a wide region including Suwannee, Baker, Union, Bradford, Gilchrist, Alachua, Putnam, Marion, Columbia, and Duval counties in Florida, as well as inland and coastal areas of southeast Georgia including Ware, Charlton, Camden, Glynn, Wayne, Bacon, Appling, and Pierce counties.
The coldest conditions are expected away from the immediate coast, particularly across inland communities near I-10, I-75, US-301, and I-95. Cities such as Gainesville, Lake City, Live Oak, Starke, Ocala, Waycross, Jesup, Kingsland, and Folkston could see several hours of sub-freezing temperatures before sunrise Friday. Bridges, overpasses, and rural roadways may also experience cold-related issues during the early morning hours.
While a widespread hard freeze is not expected, even brief exposure to temperatures below freezing can harm tender plants and early-season crops. Outdoor pets, young children, the elderly, and unhoused populations are especially vulnerable during these conditions.
Residents are urged to take protective steps now, including covering sensitive vegetation, bringing pets indoors, and ensuring outdoor plumbing is insulated where possible. Those traveling early Friday should dress for cold conditions and allow extra time if driving through colder inland areas.
Temperatures are expected to rebound later Friday morning as sunshine returns, ending the freeze threat by mid-morning. However, the Freeze Watch may be upgraded to a Freeze Warning as confidence increases. Additional updates are expected as colder air settles in, and residents along the Florida–Georgia line are encouraged to stay alert through Thursday night.
