Freeze warnings issued across Florida Panhandle and parts of the southeast U.S.
Freeze warnings are in effect across the Florida Panhandle, northern and central counties, and parts of southeast Georgia from 23:00 EST Thursday, January 15, 2026, through 09:00 EST Friday, January 16. Temperatures are forecast to drop as low as −6°C (22°F) in inland areas, producing frost capable of damaging unprotected crops and causing water pipes to freeze and burst.
Image credit: Harris County
A strong cold front is bringing Arctic air into the southeastern United States, triggering significant temperature drops across Florida and parts of Georgia. The warnings cover nearly all inland and northern counties of Florida and extend into portions of southeast Georgia, southeast Alabama, South Carolina, and parts of West Virginia.
Freeze warnings and cold weather advisories have been issued for nearly all of Florida from late Thursday night through early Friday morning, with minimum temperatures ranging from −5 to −1°C (23 to 30°F).
Sub-freezing temperatures as low as −6°C (22°F) are forecast across the Florida Panhandle, Big Bend, and portions of southwest Georgia and southeast Alabama. Similar conditions are forecast for the interior areas of northern and central Florida, including Gainesville, Ocala, Lake City, and Orlando, where overnight lows may reach −3°C (27°F).
Freeze warnings have been issued for northeast Florida and coastal southeast Georgia, effective from 23:00 EST Thursday through 09:00 EST Friday, with temperatures ranging from −5 to −1°C (23 to 30°F).
Farther south, the NWS Melbourne and NWS Miami offices have placed inland and northern sections of central and southern Florida, including Okeechobee, Hendry, and Glades counties, under advisories for wind chills as low as −3°C (26°F) between 01:00 EST and 09:00 EST.
The warnings remain in effect statewide through early Friday morning, January 16, with the coldest conditions expected shortly before sunrise.
The NWS warns that frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, damage sensitive vegetation, and impact unprotected plumbing.
Residents have been advised to wrap or drain exposed pipes, bring pets indoors, and ensure outdoor animals have access to shelter, food, and unfrozen water. Local authorities recommend checking on vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and those without adequate heating.
Sub-freezing temperatures of this magnitude are rare south of Lake Okeechobee, though northern and inland areas of the state typically experience several freeze events each winter.
Forecast models suggest temperatures will moderate by the weekend as the high-pressure system shifts eastward and winds turn southerly.
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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