Hard freeze warnings possible across parts of Florida as cold front approaches. Here's where

Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida

January 12, 2024 at 2:00 PM·5 min read

Good, because more is on the way. You did say no, right?

An Arctic cold front hitting most of U.S. will make its way south early next week and could bring freezing temperatures to some portions of Florida. Not only that, but if a trough ahead of it lingers, precipitation associated with it could turn into freezing rain or even sleet in some areas.

A few areas across Florida could see near record lows as temperatures drop into the single digits, according to the National Weather Service, Mobile.

Here's what to expect across Florida:

Temperatures across Panhandle could bring hard freeze warnings

Pensacola: Hard freeze warnings are likely Tuesday night as temperatures get close to record lows and wind chill values will drop into the single digits, according to the National Weather Service Mobile. There's a possibility of freezing rain and even sleet as the cold front approaches.

Temperatures are expected to drop from low of 40 Sunday night to low of 36 Monday night and 21 Tuesday night and 32 Wednesday night.

Tallahassee: Expect the cold front to move in Tuesday, bringing "very cold temperatures across the region with perhaps the first hard freeze of the winter so far Wednesday morning," said the National Weather Service Tallahassee.

Temperatures are expected to drop from low of 38 Sunday night to low of 44 Monday night and 24 Tuesday night and 27 Wednesday night.

North Florida could see widespread freeze, frost potential

Jacksonville: Expect the cold front to move across the area Tuesday afternoon and evening. For Tuesday night, the combination of widespread freezing temperatures and elevated winds could bring a wind chill advisory for the area, according to the National Weather Service Jacksonville. A widespread freeze is expected once again for Wednesday night. Since winds are expected to be light, there is a potential for frost.

Temperatures are expected to drop from low of 44 Sunday night to low of 52 Monday night and 30 Tuesday night and 32 Wednesday night.

Some Central Florida counties could see temperatures approach freezing mark

Daytona Beach: Expect the cold front to move into Central Florida Tuesday with the "potential to bring some of the coldest air of the winter thus far to parts of east Central Florida," according to the National Weather Service Melbourne.

"Some locations near and north of Interstate 4 could approach the freezing mark both Wednesday and Thursday mornings. With a residual northwesterly wind Wednesday morning, wind chills could fall near or below freezing for a period of time as well."

Temperatures are expected to drop from low of 44 Sunday night to low of 52 Monday night and 30 Tuesday night and 32 Wednesday night.

Melbourne: Temperatures are expected to drop from low of 61 Sunday night to low of 67 Monday night and 44 Tuesday night and 47 Wednesday night.

Port St. Lucie: Temperatures are expected to drop from low of 62 Sunday night to low of 68 Monday night and 47 Tuesday night and 47 Wednesday night.

Cooler temperatures possible across South Florida

West Palm Beach: A cooler trend is possible Wednesday night into Thursday, with lows potentially dropping to the lower 40s around the lake and low to mid-50s elsewhere, according to the National Weather Service Miami.

Temperatures are expected to drop from low of 69 Sunday night to low of 72 Monday night and 55 Tuesday night and 58 Wednesday night.

Southwest Florida

Naples: Temperatures are expected to drop from low of 62 Sunday night to low of 67 Monday night and 50 Tuesday night and 48 Wednesday night.

Southwest Florida The cold front is expected to push through the area Tuesday and Tuesday evening bringing lows Wednesday and Thursday morning across Southwest Florida in the upper 20s and low 30s over the Nature Coast and mid 30s to upper 40s from around Interstate 4 south.

Fort Myers: Temperatures are expected to drop from low of 62 Sunday night to low of 68 Monday night and 47 Tuesday night and 44 Wednesday night.

Sarasota: Temperatures are expected to drop from low of 57 Sunday night to low of 64 Monday night and 43 Tuesday night and 41 Wednesday night.

What do frost and freeze warnings mean?

Frost and freeze warnings are issued when frost or freezing/sub-freezing temperatures are in the forecast. Some plants are sensitive to extreme temperatures and may need to be taken indoors or covered. Experts suggest watering plants before freezing temperatures arrive to help insulate the roots and prevent the cold from killing vegetation.

Pipes can freeze and burst when the temperature dips below freezing. Insulating exposed pipes and sealing off air leaks around electrical wiring can help keep the cold out.