Winter storm impacts on Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia begin Monday, after near-record highs Sunday

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Arctic Blast affecting millions of people across the country is expected to drop into our region on Monday.

Today, we’ll have near-record highs in the upper 70s, low 80s across Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida before stormy conditions approach from the west.

January 25 Record highs: JAX 83 degrees/2023; Craig Airfield 81/2024; Gainesville 85/1950

While bringing much-needed rain this evening, the storms could include embedded thunderstorms with gusty winds, light hail and frequent lightning.

Once the storm passes offshore, the cold air will have a chance to settle in, and it will stick around for several days.

Dangerously cold temperatures are expected throughout the week, with 20-degree temperatures inland each morning. Wind chill factors could be in the teens.

A Freeze Watch is in effect beginning late Monday night through Tuesday morning. A Watch is a heads-up to a Warning and is a good time to start preparing for freezing weather. Today is a good day to prepare your pets, people, plants and pipes. Also, be sure to practice fire safety if you use a space heater to stay warm.

An Extreme Cold Watch has been issued for west of I-75 due to dangerously cold wind chills of 10-15 degrees possible. Hopefully, this severe cold won’t trickle into our region.