Hard freeze and wind chills continue
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – If you’re out there today, you’ve probably felt it. I’m News4JAX’s meteorologist, and I’ve got to tell you—this is one of the coldest stretches we’ve felt in ages. An extreme cold warning was in effect this morning. Temperatures started in the upper teens and 20s, with wind chills dropping to the single digits in some areas. Even in the afternoon, highs are expected to reach only the low to mid 40s, but the feels-like temp? More like the 30s.
The culprit behind all this is a strong low pressure system off the Carolinas, dragging in an unusually cold Arctic air mass over northeast Florida and southeast Georgia. Our Exact Track 4D radar showed those stubborn winds out of the northwest, 20 to 25 mph and gusting higher in some areas. With these winds, it’s not just cold—it’s bitter.
As of 10:04 a.m., the official extreme cold warning expired, and a freeze warning is set to last through 12 p.m., but don’t get too comfortable. We’re expecting another deep freeze tonight and into tomorrow morning, with lows dipping into the 20s once again. The latest forecast has that pattern holding for at least a couple more nights before we even start to get close to normal.
Cold weather impact and safety tips
Let’s talk about what’s happening around our neighborhoods. Power outages and frozen pipes are an honest worry—my neighbor let me know this morning their pipes froze, and I’ve got my own faucets dripping just in case. If you’ve tried to fly out today, you already know the airport’s had delays and cancellations, mostly because of weather further north, but also thanks to crosswinds here shaking things up.
The biggest message right now: stay warm and safe. Warming centers are open for anyone who needs shelter from the cold. In Jacksonville, the Legend Center is open nightly 9 p.m. to 9 a.m., extended until noon Monday. City buses will take you there for free. That’s a real lifeline when the Mercury drops this low.
I know a lot of you canceled brunch plans, put off your walks, or just camped out under a pile of blankets—that’s smart. This is “stay inside if you can” weather. If you do need to walk the dog, bundle up, and try to limit your time outside. Protect pets just like you would yourself.
Community spirit and rare snow flurries
Can you believe some of us spotted snow flurries in Florida? It’s true! I saw a few last night outside an Iceman game near Atlantic Beach and got just as giddy as you did. Folks all over northeast Florida and southern Georgia sent in amazing videos and pictures. It’s not something we see every winter.
Between video submissions and emails describing your “I saw snow!” moments, I have to say—our community comes together in weather like this. I’m so proud of everyone who fought the urge to stay inside and still supported The Donna event, even with these temperatures.
Got a great snow or cold weather photo? SnapJAX is open for your pictures—share them right here: https://www.news4jax.com/snapjax/.
What we’re watching next
So what’s ahead? After another hard freeze tonight (think lows near 22 or 25 degrees), the cold is expected to linger through at least Tuesday morning. By Wednesday, we’re likely to climb to around 70 degrees—briefly. There’s a chance for some rain in the middle of the week, and another cool down right after, but things will start trending back to the 60s by Friday.
It’s those low morning temperatures we’ll need to keep an eye on, so don’t let your guard down. Leave the faucets dripping, check on your neighbors, and take care of pets.
Stay informed with The Weather Authority
As always, I’m here to answer your questions and keep you updated. If you’re not sure where to go for a warm place to stay, or you need the latest on warnings and advisories, reach out. We’ll get through this cold snap together.