Florida’s Big Bend wakes up to biting cold air tightening its grip, with clear skies, light winds, and temperatures falling fast after sunset. Lawns stiffen, car roofs frost over, and exposed pipes face real risk as a rare December freeze settles across the region.
The National Weather Service in Tallahassee has issued a Freeze Warning and Cold Weather Advisory for Tallahassee and surrounding areas, stretching across southeast Alabama, southwest Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend. The most dangerous conditions arrive late tonight through Monday morning.
Low temperatures drop to 27–31°F across North Florida, with hard freeze conditions (21–25°F) likely in parts of southeast Alabama and southwest Georgia. At the same time, wind chills fall to 14–24°F, cold enough to pose health risks with prolonged exposure.
Residents should act early. Protect the four P’s: people, pets, plants, and pipes. Bring pets indoors, cover sensitive vegetation, and insulate outdoor plumbing. Space heaters should be used carefully, and fire safety matters during cold snaps like this.
Travel impacts remain limited, but early-morning commuters may encounter frost-covered bridges, slick patches, and reduced visibility, especially in rural areas. Dress in layers and limit time outdoors during the coldest hours.
By Monday afternoon, sunshine helps temperatures rebound into the 50s. A noticeable warm-up continues into Tuesday, signaling relief from the Arctic air mass. Still, this cold shot serves as an early winter warning as the week before Christmas begins and holiday travel ramps up.
Looking ahead, temperatures trend closer to seasonal averages midweek, though additional cool mornings remain possible. For now, winter has made its presence felt.
