A sharp cold front moving through the state may bring the season’s first frost and freeze to parts of North Florida Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.
Gusty northwest winds between high pressure over Texas and a strong storm near southern New England is ushering in the chilly air mass over the Sunshine State. Highs were only expected in the mid to upper 50s — a far cry from the 80 degree temperatures on Sunday and well below seasonal averages in the upper 60s and lower 70s.
As the high pressure draws closer to Florida, the winds will gradually ease Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Under clear skies, light winds, and dry air, temperatures should be cold enough for a frost or even a brief light freeze. The greatest chance of patchy frost Tuesday morning is a few miles away from the downtown areas of Jacksonville, Gainesville, and Tallahassee, where lows in the lower and mid 30s are forecast. A light freeze, lasting perhaps an hour or two, is most likely near Live Oak and Lake City in the low-lying areas of the Suwannee River Valley. Similar temperatures are forecast again on Wednesday morning.
A moderating air mass should bring an end to the frosty conditions Thursday and Friday mornings. Near average temperatures are forecast to return in time for the upcoming weekend.
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