Florida – Palm fronds rustle sharply this morning as cool air settles across northeast Florida, a reminder that winter still has teeth. In Jacksonville, the air feels unusually crisp, with colder changes lining up fast before the weekend ends.
According to the National Weather Service, an Extreme Cold Watch and Freeze Watch are in effect from Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon for northeast Florida and portions of southeast Georgia. Wind chills could dip into the single digits above zero inland, with temperatures near or below freezing possible by early Sunday.
Daytime warmth fades quickly Saturday night. Lows near 22 degrees are expected in Jacksonville, with gusty north winds making it feel colder. Bridges along I-95, I-295, and the Dames Point Bridge may turn slick where moisture lingers, especially near sunrise.
This cold snap is tied to a deep Arctic push sliding down the eastern U.S. The Great Lakes are nearly 50 percent frozen, allowing cold air to surge south with little resistance. That setup keeps Florida exposed longer than usual.
Sunday stays chilly despite sunshine. Highs struggle into the low 40s, and breezy conditions persist. Patchy frost becomes likely again Sunday night, extending the freeze risk into early Monday. Residents should protect pipes, bring pets indoors, and cover sensitive plants.
By midweek, a noticeable warmup arrives. Temperatures rebound into the upper 60s by Wednesday, with precipitation chances returning late week as the pattern relaxes.
Cold weather deaths across the South have climbed sharply this winter, making preparation critical. Dress in layers, limit outdoor exposure, and check on neighbors who may need help.
Five-Day Outlook for Jacksonville, FL
Saturday: Partly sunny, breezy, high near 53°F
Sunday: Sunny and cold, high near 43°F
Monday: Frost early, then sunny, high near 52°F
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 59°F
Wednesday: Sunny and warmer, high near 67°F
