We are bracing for what could be the coldest night of the season as Arctic high pressure settles in this evening, setting the stage for another deep freeze across the region. Each morning has frozen so far this month and tomorrow will mark the fourth consecutive morning of sub-freezing temperatures.
Tonight, the coldest areas will be across inland Southeast Georgia and the Suwannee Valley reaching into the mid-20s, with lows dipping below freezing by midnight. A heavy frost will blanket the area, creating a frosty scene—but also presenting a challenge for those with outdoor plants.
The freeze will extend its icy reach into northeast and north-central Florida, where areas west of the St. Johns River can expect temperatures in the upper 20s to around 30°F, accompanied by a widespread, heavy frost.
While the coast south of the St. Johns River will dodge the freeze itself due to low clouds off the ocean, temperatures there will still be quite chilly, ranging from the mid-30s to upper 30s, especially from the Intercoastal Waterway to I-95. But this wintry blast will soon pass.
Once the cold snap breaks tomorrow, milder conditions are on the way. A slightly cooler front will move through Thursday, bringing a brief dip in temperatures on Friday. But by Sunday, the 70s will return, ushering in a much-needed taste of spring.
Tips for Protecting Your Plants
If you’ve been busy covering your plants and bringing in potted greenery, you’re likely already familiar with how to protect your garden from the freeze. But for those wondering how to help their landscape thrive through this chilly stretch, there are a few tricks to keep in mind.
One effective method is to water your plants a day before a freeze so may be too late for this method. While it may sound counterintuitive, moist soil actually absorbs and retains heat better than dry soil, providing a natural barrier against the cold. This can slightly elevate nighttime temperatures around your plants and give them a fighting chance through the frost.
However, homeowners shouldn’t try to replicate commercial practices used by nurseries or farmers.
Factors working against the homeowner are timing: watering must start as soon as freezing temperatures are reached and continue until the thawing process is complete. Keep in mind that home irrigation systems aren’t designed to provide the large volumes of water required for this, so more damage could result from this process.
The Countdown to Spring
After tomorrow, you can breathe a little easier—the freezing nights will be behind us for now. While we may see a brief chill later in the week, it won’t be as harsh. Milder 70s return by Sunday and mid 80s show up by the middle of next week!