News Summary
Jacksonville, Florida is bracing for a significant drop in temperatures as an Arctic front approaches, with a Cold Weather Advisory and Freeze Warning issued. Residents should prepare for potential frost and freezing temperatures, particularly in susceptible areas. Important local events, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade, have been postponed in response to the weather. Motorists are advised to exercise caution as icy conditions may arise, and the emergency services recommend taking precautions to protect vulnerable individuals and property.
Cold Weather Advisory and Freeze Warning for Jacksonville and Northeast Florida
Jacksonville, Florida, is currently basking in warm temperatures but don’t let that fool you—winter is far from over. A brisk Arctic front is on its way, bringing with it some serious chills that could catch many off guard. As the cold snap approaches, individuals across the region should prepare for temperatures to take a sharp nosedive. So, what does this mean for you and your plants? Read on to find out!
Frost and Freeze Risks Persist
While areas like St. Augustine and Jacksonville Beach tend to escape frost by mid-January, there’s still a chance of frost and freezes lingering around. Historically, cities like Starke see their last freeze around February 18 with their last frost usually by March 15. Meanwhile, Glen St. Mary typically experiences its final freeze by March 12 and last frost by March 29. This means now is not the time to be taking any chances with your flora. The weather team is strongly advising against putting plants outdoors, especially if you live in areas that might still be susceptible to frost.
The Coming Chill
As the cold front rolls in on Sunday, temperatures in Jacksonville are set to plunge from the comfortable mid-60s to below freezing by early Monday. The National Weather Service has issued a Cold Weather Advisory which will be in effect from 10 p.m. Sunday until 10 a.m. Monday. Flurries of excitement might be in the air, but so are wind chills that may dip as low as 19 degrees across Nassau, Clay, and Duval counties. So, if you’re heading out, it’s time to bundle up!
Warnings and Watches
Moreover, there’s a Freeze Warning from 2 to 10 a.m. on Monday, with temperatures expected to plummet to as low as 29 degrees. A Freeze Watch has also been put in place for Monday evening extending into Tuesday morning. This is serious weather we’re dealing with here—it’s not just a casual change, folks!
Events on Hold
With the impending chill, event organizers have made adjustments. To keep everyone safe, Jacksonville’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade has been postponed. In a similar vein, inauguration ceremonies for President Donald Trump were moved indoors, all thanks to the not-so-pleasant forecast.
Rain, Snow, and Ice?
After the weather rollercoaster of the weekend, rain is expected to sweep in on Tuesday night. As temperatures continue to fall, we might even see a transition to snow showers. While the likelihood of accumulating snow in Jacksonville is slim, Southeast Georgia could be in for a bit more of a wintery surprise. There’s also a notable chance of freezing rain, ranging between 20% and 40% depending on where you are. Can you imagine the first snow since December 23, 1989? Fingers crossed we’re not jumping the gun!
Be Prepared—Stay Safe
Motorists should exercise caution as the mercury dips, with the risk of black ice on the roads come Monday morning. Thankfully, the Florida Department of Transportation is getting ahead of winter weather by preparing bridge deck sprayers and snow plows. As rain transitions to wintry precipitation from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, don’t be surprised if your commute takes a bit longer than usual.
Taking Precautions
With advisory warnings piling up, Jacksonville’s Emergency Preparedness Division is encouraging everyone to consider the “5 Ps”—people, pets, pipes, plants, and principles—as they gear up for this cold snap. Need to warm up? Free transportation to local warming centers is available via Jacksonville Transportation Authority buses, and all Jacksonville libraries and community centers will open their doors to those seeking refuge from the frigid air starting January 21.
Remember to Stay Warm!
Make sure to protect vulnerable populations and prepare against the risks of hypothermia and frostbite this winter. Though Florida generally enjoys milder temperatures, the reality is that winter weather isn’t finished with us quite yet. So, stay warm and keep an eye on the forecast as this chilly embrace rolls through!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville.com: Snow in Jacksonville
- Wikipedia: Weather
- News4Jax: Frost Advisory
- Google Search: Frost Advisory Florida
- Hoodline: Frost Advisory for Northeast Florida
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Climate
- Jacksonville.com: Florida Weather Cold Fronts
- Google News: Cold Front Jacksonville
- Action News Jax: First Alert Weather
