Jacksonville, FL, January 29, 2026
Jacksonville and areas along Florida’s First Coast witnessed a rare ‘sea effect’ snowfall, a phenomenon more typical of colder climates. The unusual weather on January 27 led to snow flurries as cold air masses moved over the warmer Atlantic Ocean, creating excitement among residents. This light snowfall did not result in significant accumulation but sparked curiosity in areas like Cocoa Beach and Melbourne. Such weather events are exceedingly rare in Florida, with the last occurrence noted in January 2025, showing the unpredictable nature of the region’s weather patterns.
Jacksonville, FL: Rare ‘Sea Effect’ Snowfall Observed Along First Coast
In an unprecedented meteorological event, Jacksonville and surrounding areas along Florida’s First Coast experienced rare ‘sea effect’ snowfall on January 27, 2026. This phenomenon, typically associated with colder regions, occurred when cold air masses moved over the relatively warmer Atlantic Ocean, leading to the formation of snow flurries along the coastline.
Unusual Weather Conditions
The snowfall was triggered by a combination of factors:
- Cold Air Masses: Arctic air descended upon the region, significantly lowering temperatures.
- Atlantic Ocean Influence: The warmer waters of the Atlantic provided moisture, which, when combined with the cold air, led to the formation of snow flurries.
- Wind Patterns: Northerly winds carried the cold air over the ocean, enhancing the moisture pickup and facilitating the snow formation.
Impact on the Community
Residents in Jacksonville, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, Fort Pierce, and Jupiter reported seeing snow flurries, a sight virtually unheard of in these areas. While the snowfall was light and did not lead to significant accumulation, it caused excitement and curiosity among the local population.
Historical Context
Instances of ‘sea effect’ snow in Florida are exceedingly rare. The last notable occurrence was in January 2025, when similar conditions led to brief snow flurries in parts of Brevard County and Merritt Island. Such events are typically short-lived and do not result in substantial snowfall accumulation.
Understanding ‘Sea Effect’ Snow
‘Sea effect’ snow, also known as ocean-effect snow, occurs when cold air masses move over relatively warmer bodies of water, such as oceans or large lakes. The warmer water heats the air above it, causing it to rise and pick up moisture. As this moist air moves over cooler land, the moisture condenses and falls as snow. This phenomenon is more common in regions with large bodies of water and specific wind patterns.
Conclusion
The recent ‘sea effect’ snowfall along Florida’s First Coast serves as a reminder of the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature of weather patterns. While such events are rare, they highlight the complex interactions between atmospheric conditions and geographical features that can lead to unusual weather phenomena. As Jacksonville embraces these unique occasions, residents are encouraged to support local businesses and remain engaged in the thriving community.
FAQ
What is ‘sea effect’ snow?
‘Sea effect’ snow, also known as ocean-effect snow, occurs when cold air masses move over relatively warmer bodies of water, leading to the formation of snow flurries along the coastline.
When did the ‘sea effect’ snowfall occur in Jacksonville?
The ‘sea effect’ snowfall was observed on January 27, 2026, along Florida’s First Coast, including Jacksonville.
Is ‘sea effect’ snow common in Florida?
No, ‘sea effect’ snow is exceedingly rare in Florida. The last notable occurrence was in January 2025, when similar conditions led to brief snow flurries in parts of Brevard County and Merritt Island.
What causes ‘sea effect’ snow?
‘Sea effect’ snow occurs when cold air masses move over relatively warmer bodies of water, such as oceans or large lakes. The warmer water heats the air above it, causing it to rise and pick up moisture. As this moist air moves over cooler land, the moisture condenses and falls as snow.
Which areas were affected by the recent ‘sea effect’ snowfall?
Residents in Jacksonville, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, Fort Pierce, and Jupiter reported seeing snow flurries during the recent ‘sea effect’ snowfall event.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | January 27, 2026 |
| Location | Jacksonville and surrounding areas along Florida’s First Coast |
| Phenomenon | ‘Sea effect’ snowfall |
| Causes | Cold air masses moving over warmer Atlantic Ocean waters, northerly winds enhancing moisture pickup |
| Impacted Areas | Jacksonville, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, Fort Pierce, Jupiter |
| Historical Context | Rare occurrence; last notable event in January 2025 |
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
