Jacksonville, FL – A strong burst of cold air will sweep across the region early Friday, prompting a Freeze Warning for parts of northeast Florida and southeast Georgia from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. Forecasters expect temperatures to fall to around 31°F, making it one of the season’s coldest starts.
The National Weather Service in Jacksonville issued the alert for several counties across both states, noting that residents should prepare for damaging cold and rapidly dropping temperatures before sunrise. The warning covers Suwannee, Baker, Nassau, Hamilton, Columbia, and Union Counties in Florida and extends into Coffee, Appling, Pierce, Wayne, Clinch, and Atkinson Counties in Georgia.
Areas Under the Freeze Warning
Meteorologists say a dry, reinforcing cold front is responsible for the sharp temperature dip. Rural zones and low-lying areas are expected to be hit the hardest, with frost developing well before dawn. This extended geographic impact reflects a broader cooling pattern settling across the Southeast.
What Forecasters Are Saying
A statement from the National Weather Service highlights the risk:
“Sub-freezing temperatures could damage or kill crops and sensitive vegetation. Pets and vulnerable individuals may also be at risk.”
Officials urge residents to cover outdoor plants, bring pets inside, and protect exposed pipes. Even brief exposure to temperatures near freezing can lead to significant damage to vegetation, especially in locations that rarely see frost this early in the season.
How Cold Will It Get?
Temperatures will steadily fall after midnight, with the coldest readings occurring between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. Frost formation will be most noticeable in inland locations where wind speeds lighten. Conditions are expected to rebound above freezing shortly after 8 a.m., allowing ice and frost to melt quickly as the sun rises.
Why This Freeze Matters
While overnight freezes are not unusual later in winter, early-season cold snaps tend to catch communities off guard. Sensitive plants, winter produce crops, and outdoor animals often remain exposed during this time of year. Cold-related injuries, especially among older adults or those without reliable heating, become more likely during sudden temperature drops. Taking precautions the night before can significantly reduce those risks.
Safety Tips for Residents
Local officials recommend:
- Covering tender vegetation and outdoor shrubs
- Checking insulated pipe coverings
- Bringing pets indoors
- Ensuring outdoor heaters and space heaters are used safely
- Looking in on elderly neighbors or anyone without proper heat
Small steps, they say, can prevent overnight damage and protect vulnerable individuals from dangerous cold.
What Happens After the Warning Ends?
Once temperatures rise above freezing Friday morning, drier air will help conditions improve quickly. However, meteorologists caution that another cold morning may follow if winds calm and cloud cover remains minimal. Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts throughout the weekend.
Officials emphasize that awareness and preparation remain key as winter patterns strengthen across the region.
If you live in one of the affected counties, share how you’re preparing for the freeze in the comments.
