Large portions of Florida face a freeze warning or cold weather advisory Monday night, as temperatures could drop into the mid-20s.
The warning is in effect until 9 a.m. ET Tuesday and covers regions in the northeast, northern, central and southwest quadrants of the state, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Cities under the freeze warning include Jacksonville, Lake City, Gainesville, Ocala, Daytona Beach, Orlando, Sanford, Sebring, Okeechobee and Fort Myers.
Those facing the cold weather advisory include Naples, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Tallahassee, Perry, Tampa, Sarasota, Melbourne, Vero Beach and Stuart.
Temperatures could dip as low as 26 degrees in northern Florida, the NWS says. In central Florida, temperatures could reach 29 degrees, with wind chills as low as 22. In southwestern portions of the Sunshine State, temperatures could reach as low as 31 degrees.
“The cold wind chills as low as 25 degrees could result in hypothermia or frostbite if precautions are not taken,” the NWS warning says in part. “Appropriate action should be taken to ensure tender vegetation and outdoor pets have adequate protection from the cold temperatures. Young children, the elderly and the homeless are especially vulnerable to the cold. Take measures to protect them.”
Below are maps showing the Florida locales facing the plunging temperatures:
NWS Meteorologist Jennifer Tate told Newsweek via phone on Monday night that “it is typically earlier in the winter that it is common to see temperatures dip below freezing.”
“For residents who aren’t used to these temperatures, they should stay inside if possible, and dress in layers,” Tate said.
NWS Tallahassee on X Monday said, “A cold night is in store for us. Temps & wind chills will fall into the low 20s, resulting in a Freeze Warning for a Hard Freeze in our AL & GA counties, and a Cold Weather Advisory for our FL counties.” The post continued, “Be sure to wear warm clothes tomorrow morning! #FLwx#GAwx#ALwx”
