Tallahassee, Florida – An unusually strong surge of Arctic air is expected to push into Florida beginning Thursday, bringing a significant increase in frost and freezing conditions across much of the state while precipitation chances remain below normal through early next week.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, Florida is forecast to see limited rainfall from Thursday through Monday. Despite the dry pattern, temperatures are expected to fall well below seasonal averages, creating widespread freeze concerns, especially during overnight and early morning hours.
North Florida and the Panhandle, including Pensacola, Panama City, Tallahassee, and Jacksonville, face the highest risk for prolonged freezing temperatures. Several nights of sub-freezing conditions are possible, increasing concerns for exposed pipes, sensitive vegetation, and unprotected outdoor plumbing. Inland areas away from the immediate coast are most vulnerable due to clearer skies and lighter winds.
Central Florida, including Gainesville, Ocala, Orlando, Lakeland, and the Tampa Bay area, is also expected to see a notable increase in frost and freeze potential. While coastal locations may stay just above freezing at times, inland communities could dip to freezing or below during the coldest nights, posing risks to agriculture and early morning travel.
South Florida is expected to avoid freezing temperatures, but cooler-than-normal nights may still bring patchy frost to interior locations north of Lake Okeechobee. Daytime highs statewide will struggle to rebound, remaining well below average for mid-January.
Even without precipitation, isolated slick spots could develop on bridges and elevated roadways during the coldest mornings, particularly along Interstate 10, Interstate 75, Interstate 95, and major surface roads.
Residents are urged to take cold-weather precautions, protect plants and pets, cover exposed pipes, and check on vulnerable neighbors. This dry but unusually cold pattern is expected to persist into early next week, with freeze warnings and advisories likely to expand as confidence increases.
