Jacksonville, FL – A sharp temperature plunge is setting the stage for one of the coldest mornings of the season across north Florida and south Georgia, as the National Weather Service issues an overnight Freeze Warning from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. Saturday.
Forecasters warn that sub-freezing lows, including temperatures near 29°F, may settle over inland communities from Waycross and Douglas to Lake City and Live Oak. The alert spans multiple counties across both states, prompting concerns for vulnerable residents, crops, pets, and unprotected plumbing.
What the Overnight Freeze Warning Means for the Region
The National Weather Service in Jacksonville says cold, calm conditions will allow heat to escape quickly from the ground, leading to widespread freezing before sunrise. The warning includes parts of Baker, Suwannee, Union, and Gilchrist counties in Florida and Appling, Wayne, Coffee, and Brantley counties in Georgia.
Cold nights like this can create pockets of damaging frost across farmland and rural neighborhoods. Local emergency managers are urging residents in low-lying areas and open fields to take precautions ahead of the temperature drop.
How Low Temperatures Will Fall
Meteorologists say the combination of light winds and dry air will let temperatures tumble rapidly overnight. Waycross, Douglas, Live Oak, Lake City, and Folkston are expected to see the most widespread freeze conditions.
This setup mirrors earlier-season cold fronts but is expected to bring the lowest temperatures so far this month, with widespread readings in the upper 20s to near freezing for several hours.
What Officials Are Advising Residents to Do
Authorities are reminding the public to take cold-weather protections seriously. Actions recommended include:
- Covering or bringing indoors sensitive outdoor plants
- Providing shelter and warmth for pets
- Insulating exposed pipes, especially in mobile or older homes
- Checking on elderly neighbors, children, and those without adequate heating
Officials emphasize that individuals without reliable shelter are at heightened risk for cold-related stress.
“This will be one of the coldest mornings of the season so far,” meteorologists said in a National Weather Service update.
Areas Most at Risk
While coastal zones may remain slightly warmer, inland stretches of north Florida and southeast Georgia are likely to experience direct freezing impacts. Rural zones, wooded areas, and wide-open fields are expected to cool the fastest.
Local growers across Georgia’s southern counties and Florida’s northern interior have started placing protective coverings over crops, a common practice when overnight frost becomes a threat.
When Temperatures Will Warm Again
Despite the early-morning freeze, the region should warm noticeably by the afternoon. Highs are forecast to reach the 50s and lower 60s on Saturday, providing relief from the overnight chill. Another cool night may follow, but forecasters expect a gradual warming trend heading into the remainder of the weekend.
Why Freeze Warnings Matter in This Region
North Florida and south Georgia experience brief winter-like cold snaps throughout the season, but freezes can still strain vulnerable households, outdoor agriculture, and local wildlife. Early-season blasts like this one often catch residents off guard, especially after mild afternoons.
These warnings also help emergency shelters prepare for overnight intake and guide energy providers expecting higher heating usage before dawn.
What to Watch Overnight
Residents should stay updated through the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, which is providing real-time alerts and county-by-county updates as temperatures fall. Light winds may allow pockets of frost to form earlier than expected, particularly in shaded or rural areas.
Conclusion
A widespread freeze will grip north Florida and southeast Georgia overnight, bringing the coldest morning of the season and heightening the risk for frost, plant damage, and exposed pipes. With temperatures dropping below 30 degrees in some communities, residents are encouraged to prepare ahead of the 2 a.m.–8 a.m. window.
Share your experiences or local impacts from the freeze in the comments below.
