Honestly, if you’re standing outside in Jacksonville right now, you already know the vibe. It is cold. Not "Florida cold" where you just need a light hoodie, but actually, legitimately freezing.
The weather forecast for Jacksonville Florida has taken a sharp turn toward the dramatic this week. While people in Miami are likely sipping iced coffee in shorts, we’re currently staring down some of the most intense winter conditions the First Coast has seen in years. The National Weather Service even issued a Freeze Warning for the area, and for good reason. Temperatures tonight are expected to bottom out around 27°F.
That is not a typo.
What is happening with the weather forecast for Jacksonville Florida?
The big story today, Thursday, January 15, is an Arctic cold front that’s currently screaming through Northeast Florida. We started the day with a high of only 52°F, but the real "fun" starts after the sun goes down.
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Here is the quick breakdown of what to expect for the rest of the week:
- Tonight: Skies are clear, but the temperature is plummeting. Expect a low of 27°F. With northwest winds hitting about 15 mph, the "feels like" temperature is going to be even lower.
- Friday, Jan 16: It stays sunny but stays chilly. We're looking at a high of 56°F and another very cold night with a low of 26°F.
- Saturday, Jan 17: Finally, a bit of a warmup. The high jumps to 70°F, though it’ll be mostly cloudy. It's a weirdly massive swing, which is typical for Jax.
If you’re inland—think Westside or near the airport—you’re going to feel the bite a lot more than the folks out at Jacksonville Beach. The ocean usually keeps the coast a few degrees warmer, but this front is strong enough that even the beaches will likely see frost.
The Warming Center and Local Impact
The City of Jacksonville has already activated its Warming Center Contingency Plan because of these "dangerously cold" temperatures. If you or someone you know doesn't have reliable heat, The Legends Center on Soutel Drive is opening its doors from 9 p.m. tonight until 9 a.m. tomorrow morning.
Why the weather forecast for Jacksonville Florida is so unpredictable
People always ask why Jax gets so much colder than Central Florida. It basically comes down to geography. We’re tucked into that Northeast corner where we don’t get the same tropical protection that Orlando or Tampa enjoy. When those big cold air masses roll down from the north, we’re the first ones to get hit.
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In fact, some local meteorologists like Mike Prangley have noted that this is the coldest we've been since 2022. It’s a reminder that while we live in the Sunshine State, January in Duval County is no joke.
The humidity is currently sitting at 44%, which sounds low for Florida, but it makes that cold air feel exceptionally crisp. If you’ve got outdoor plants, bring them in. Seriously. Tropical plants like hibiscus or young palm trees will not survive a 27-degree night without help.
Looking ahead at next week
Once we get past this weekend's rain chances—there's about a 40% chance of light rain on Sunday—the weather forecast for Jacksonville Florida stabilizes back into the 50s and 60s. Monday and Tuesday of next week look sunny with highs of 55°F. It’s better, but you’ll still want to keep the heavy coat handy for the morning commute.
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One weird detail: the UV index is still hitting a 4 (Moderate) during the day. Even when it’s freezing, the Florida sun is strong enough to cause a burn if you’re out long enough. Don’t let the cold air fool you.
Actionable Next Steps for Jax Residents
- The Four P’s: Check on your People (especially the elderly), Pets (bring them inside), Plants (cover or move them), and Pipes (drip your faucets if you’re in an older home with exposed plumbing).
- Tire Pressure: Cold air makes your tire pressure drop. If your dashboard light comes on tomorrow morning, that’s why.
- Fire Safety: If you're using a space heater, keep it at least three feet away from curtains or furniture. Every year, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue sees a spike in calls during these cold snaps because of heater accidents.
- Plan for Sunday: If you have outdoor plans, Sunday has a 45% chance of rain with a high of only 49°F. It’s going to be a damp, miserable kind of cold, so maybe move the brunch indoors.