JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – This morning, the big story is the deep freeze gripping Jacksonville and all of Northeast Florida.
This morning we woke up to temperatures as low as 19 degrees in Macclenny, 23 degrees in Jacksonville, and only about 30 degrees on the coast. The wind chills? Even colder — early risers in Jacksonville know it feels like just 15 degrees out there thanks to those wind gusts in the teens.
We’re under a cold weather advisory and a freeze warning through 10 a.m. And yes, there’s another freeze warning expected through 9 a.m. tomorrow. Cold air isn’t letting up yet, so keep it top of mind as you plan.
I’ve already heard from folks who had frozen pipes and saw their breath on the way out the door. Some even spotted snow flurries in Middleburg and Atlantic Beach, though nothing stuck. If you caught photos or video of our rare snow — don’t forget to share them on SnapJAX at https://www.news4jax.com/snapjax/!
Chilly now, but warmth on the way
We’re all in this together, bracing for a cold start. This afternoon’s high is forecast to reach just 53 degrees in Jacksonville, but don’t expect it to feel cozy until much later in the day.
If you’re walking the dog, picking up groceries, or heading out for lunch, plan for a cold, windy start. By 3 p.m. we’ll peak near 53 degrees, but it’ll be a slow climb out of freezing territory. Tonight, lows drop again — the 20s and low 30s are back, and it’ll only be a couple of degrees above freezing for those living right along the coast.
But good news is just around the corner. Forecast models show a jump to 62 degrees tomorrow, and by Wednesday, we’re likely enjoying highs near 68. A little rain is possible midweek, though the majority will stay dry.
Even with this quick warm-up, expect some chilly mornings — lows through Thursday could hover from the 20s up to our seasonal average of 44.
Protect pipes, pets, and plants
Cold snaps like this aren’t just uncomfortable — they can also be unsafe. Take extra care with your pipes, pets, and plants. If you’ve got little ones heading to the bus stop, bundle up with gloves, coats, and scarves. Even a quick run outside can feel harsh when wind chills hit 15 degrees.
These conditions are expected to ease after tomorrow morning, but until then, it’s wise to prepare and stay alert. Remember, the first part of the day will feel bitter, even under blue skies.
If walking your pup, I recommend holding off for the warmest part of the afternoon — or hey, maybe consider doggie daycare, just like I did!
I’ll be tracking all the changes on News4JAX and The Weather Authority, keeping you informed with every update.