Jacksonville, FL – A rare and potentially damaging cold snap continues to impact northeast and north-central Florida, with the National Weather Service warning residents to prepare for freezing temperatures, dangerous wind chills, and another possible freeze later this week.
According to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, a Freeze Warning and Cold Weather Advisory remain in effect until 9 a.m. EST Monday, covering large portions of north and north-central Florida. Temperatures have dropped into the mid-20s to upper-20s, with wind chills as low as 20 to 23 degrees, creating hazardous conditions for people, pets, and plants.
Counties impacted include Duval, Nassau, Clay, St. Johns, Putnam, Alachua, Marion, Columbia, Suwannee, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hendry, and Flagler counties, affecting communities such as Jacksonville, Gainesville, Ocala, St. Augustine, Palatka, Fernandina Beach, Lake City, Live Oak, Macclenny, and Palm Coast.
In addition to the current warnings, forecasters have issued a Freeze Watch from Monday evening through Tuesday morning, with temperatures again expected to fall into the mid- to upper-20s across inland areas.
Officials warn that prolonged exposure to these conditions can lead to hypothermia, particularly for young children, the elderly, and those without adequate heating. Cold temperatures also pose a serious threat to tender vegetation, outdoor plumbing, and pets.
Residents are urged to:
- Bring pets indoors
- Cover sensitive plants
- Protect exposed pipes
- Dress in warm layers if outdoors
- Use space heaters safely and never run grills or generators indoors
Temperatures are expected to improve later Monday morning, but officials stress that another cold night is likely, making continued precautions necessary.
Residents should continue monitoring local forecasts and heed all advisories as this unusually cold pattern persists across Florida.
