Jacksonville, FL – The National Weather Service in Jacksonville has issued a Freeze Watch for portions of northeast and northern Florida and southeast Georgia, warning of sub-freezing temperatures expected late Thursday night through Friday morning.
According to the advisory, overnight lows could drop to around 31 degrees, marking one of the coldest mornings of the season for inland areas. The Freeze Watch includes communities such as Lake City, Live Oak, Macclenny, Folkston, Waycross, and Douglas, where temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing between 3 a.m. and 8 a.m. Friday.
Forecasters warn that sensitive vegetation and outdoor pets will be at risk from the cold. “Appropriate action should be taken to ensure tender vegetation and outdoor pets have adequate protection from the cold temperatures,” the National Weather Service stated. The elderly, children, and those without shelter are also vulnerable during these cold conditions.
Residents are encouraged to cover plants, bring outdoor pets indoors, and check on neighbors who may be affected by the cold. Farmers and gardeners should take precautions to prevent frost damage to crops.
While areas along the coast may stay a few degrees warmer, inland regions of Suwannee, Columbia, Hamilton, and Baker counties could briefly fall below the freezing mark before sunrise.
Officials advise staying informed through local media and weather.gov/jax for updates as the Freeze Watch could be upgraded to a Freeze Warning if colder trends continue.
