When will Jacksonville experience the coldest temperatures?

Jacksonville is expected to experience the coldest temperatures from Saturday, January 31, through early Tuesday, February 2, with a hard freeze forecast for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday nights.

What are the potential impacts of the cold snap on Jacksonville residents?

The cold snap poses risks to exposed pipes, plants, and pets, and residents will need to bundle up for the extremely cold weather.

How did past freezes affect Florida's citrus industry?

Intense freezes in the late 1800s, particularly in 1894 and 1895, devastated orange orchards in Northeast Florida and led to significant impacts on the state's citrus industry.

Home / Weather / Jacksonville Braces for Historic Freeze: Records May Fall

Jacksonville Braces for Historic Freeze: Records May Fall

29 Jan

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Summary

Intense cold expected Saturday through Monday with a rare multi-day hard freeze.
Temperatures could break daily records, plunging over 20 degrees below average.
Historic freezes in the 1890s devastated Florida's citrus industry.

Jacksonville Braces for Historic Freeze: Records May Fall

Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia will experience a severe cold period culminating in a rare few days of intense cold from Saturday, January 31, through Monday, February 2. The coldest air is predicted to arrive Saturday afternoon and persist through early Tuesday, bringing widespread hard freezes for three consecutive nights. This cumulative effect will strain exposed pipes and threaten outdoor plants and pets, necessitating warm attire for residents. Early morning temperatures on Sunday, February 1, are forecast to reach 21 degrees Fahrenheit in Jacksonville, potentially breaking the daily record of 24 degrees set in 1977 and falling over 20 degrees below the average low.

The extensive snowpack from the Southern Plains to New England will contribute to the plunging temperatures, acting as a large refrigerator that limits warming of north winds before they reach the local area. JEA advises residents to conserve energy by setting thermostats to 68°F or lower, sealing drafts, using space heaters safely, and monitoring daily usage online.