JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Northeast Florida is bracing for its first real taste of winter as temperatures are set to drop sharply. This cold snap, arriving earlier than usual, is catching many off guard.
News4JAX Meteorologist Mark Collins explained what’s happening and what people need to know.
“This is the kind of cold we’d normally expect in January—not November,” Collins said.
The cold front, driven by a significant dip in the jet stream, will bring nighttime lows colder than anything we’ve experienced since February.
What to expect
- When it hits: The chill moves in Thursday morning, with the coldest temperatures expected overnight into Friday and Saturday.
- How cold? Temperatures will plunge 8-10 degrees below seasonal averages, making some areas feel like the mid-30s with the wind chill.
Will it freeze?
Not quite. While parts of Baker and Columbia counties might flirt with freezing, Collins said most areas won’t drop low enough to require precautions like dripping faucets.
“Save that for temperatures below 20 degrees,” he added.
Tips to stay comfortable
You might want to close your windows and turn on the heat at night—Collins said it’ll be too cold for that usual fall breeze.
As for those hoping for 80-degree weather again? Collins said, “November’s done with those temperatures, but a heat wave in December isn’t off the table.”
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The Weather Authority provided a live update Wednesday morning ahead of the cold front. Press play below to watch the full update
Do you have any questions you want to ask The Weather Authority team regarding the cold front? Enter them in the form below.
Stay tuned to News4JAX for updates on the cold front and tips to stay warm.