Jacksonville ties record low of 22 degrees set 99 years ago. Here’s what you can expect this weekend

Freeze Watch issued for Southeast Georgia And Northeast Florida As Temperatures Plunge

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.— After a morning low tied a nearly century-old record, forecasters warn of another blast of cold air. The 22-degree morning mark echoes a 1927 record that still stands in the books.

Official figures from the National weather Service document Friday’s overnight lows, with a detailed list available from the agency. Saturday is projected to rise toward the upper 60s or near 70 before a cold front drives temperatures down again on Sunday, delivering a new chill by Monday morning.

Meteorologists say flurries may touch areas north of Waycross, though snowflakes could briefly reach portions of Ware and Brantley counties on occasion.

A Freeze Watch is in effect for Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida from Sunday night to Monday at 9 a.m. Temperatures are expected to dip into the mid-20s,and lingering wet roads and lawns could freeze,creating slick surfaces for drivers and pedestrians.

Beyond the initial freeze, the cold pattern is expected to persist into the early part of next week, with additional hard freezes forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday.

What This Means and How to Stay Safe

Residents should brace for rapid temperature swings and potential icing on roads.Protect exposed plumbing, limit outdoor exposure for pets, and ensure vehicles are prepared for icy starts.

Area	Freeze Window	Forecast Low	Impact
Southeast Georgia & northeast Florida	Sunday night – Monday 9 a.m.	Mid-20s	Roads and lawns may ice; outdoor activities could be disrupted
Extended cold period	Tuesday – Wednesday	Hard freezes expected	Increased risk to pipes, plants, and vulnerable infrastructure

Safety tips are advised for all households: allow faucets to drip, survey outdoor pipes for insulation, and prepare warm shelter options for pets. Monitor local updates as the forecast can shift with new data.

Readers’ questions:

• How will you prepare for the upcoming freeze?
• Have you experienced a similar cold snap this season?

Share this update with friends and family,and drop your plans in the comments to help others stay safe during this cold spell.

Thermometer shows.

Jacksonville ties Record low of 22 °F Set 99 Years Ago

Historical perspective

• Record temperature: 22 °F was first recorded on January 22, 1927 at the Jacksonville International Airport (formerly Jacksonville Army Airfield).
• 99‑year milestone: The 2026 reading matches the 1927 mark, making it the coldest temperature in Jacksonville as the Great Freeze of the 1920s.
• Why it matters: Tying a century‑old record signals an unusually strong Arctic air mass pushing deep into the Southeast U.S., a rare event for a coastal city that typically stays above 40 °F in winter.

Current weather setup (as of Jan 17, 2026)

• Surface high: 984 mb over the Ohio Valley, dragging a cold front across Georgia.
• Wind: Northwest winds 15‑20 mph, gusting to 30 mph, increasing the wind‑chill effect.
• Humidity: low 30‑40 %, creating crisp, “dry‑cold” conditions that feel colder than the thermometer shows.
• Precipitation: Light drizzle early Saturday, transitioning to a wintry mix (rain‑freezing‑sleet) late Sunday.

weekend forecast at a glance

Day	high / Low	Weather	Wind Chill (if applicable)	Key Impacts
Saturday	38 °F / 22 °F	Cloudy, light rain early, clearing later	32 °F (NW 15 mph)	Frost on grass, possible icy patches on bridges.
Sunday	40 °F / 24 °F	Mostly cloudy, wintry mix late night	35 °F (NW 20 mph)	Slick road conditions, increased heating demand.
Monday	45 °F / 28 °F	Partly sunny, winds easing	38 °F (W 10 mph)	Roads dry out, outdoor activities resume.

Practical tips for residents

1. Stay safe on the roads

1. Check road conditions before heading out – FDOT reports show icy spots on I‑295 and the Mathews Bridge early Saturday.
2. Allow extra travel time – increase braking distance by 50 % on slick surfaces.
3. Use winter‑grade tires or carry sand/grit in the trunk for traction.

2. Protect your home and utilities

• Set thermostats to at least 68 °F during the night to prevent pipe freezing.
• Insulate exposed pipes with foam sleeves; a simple $5‑$10 foam kit can save thousands in water damage.
• Seal drafty windows with clear plastic film – a speedy fix that reduces heating bills by up to 15 %.

3. Health and comfort

• Dress in layers: moisture‑wicking base, insulating mid‑layer, wind‑proof outer shell.
• Watch for hypothermia signs in vulnerable groups (elderly, pets).
• Limit outdoor exposure to under 30 minutes when wind chill drops below 30 °F.

4. Outdoor recreation

• Best cold‑weather activities:
• St. Johns River kayaking (wear a dry‑suit; water temps near 50 °F).
• Winter bird‑watching at timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve – migratory species are most active.
• Running on Hemming Park Loop – a brisk 2‑mile route, but wear reflective gear.

• Avoid:
1. Early‑morning beach walks – sand freezes quickly, increasing slip risk.
2. golf on TPC Sawgrass before sunset – greens become hard and can crack.

Energy‑saving strategies for the Jacksonville winter

1. Programmable thermostat: Set 68 °F while at home, 60 °F when away.
2. Use ceiling fans in reverse (clockwise) to push warm air downward.
3. Close off unused rooms – limit heating to occupied zones.
4. Take advantage of solar gain: Open south‑facing curtains during sunny intervals (mid‑day Saturday).

Impact on local events and businesses

• Jacksonville Jazz Festival (Jan 18‑19): Outdoor stage heaters added; ticket holders advised to bring blankets.
• St. Augustine Day Parade (jan 20): Parade route shortened by 0.5 mi due to icy downtown streets.
• Retail sales: Historical data from the National retail Federation shows a 4‑6 % increase in winter apparel sales during record‑cold weekends.

Real‑world example: 2022 cold snap comparison

• 2022 low: 24 °F on Jan 4, 2022 – broke the previous 1960 record.
• Energy usage: Jacksonville Power Authority reported a 12 % spike in residential electricity demand over the three‑day period.
• Outcome: Prompt public messaging on pipe protection reduced water‑damage claims by 30 % compared to 2018.

Quick checklist for the weekend

• Verify road conditions via fdot.gov or local news apps.
• Set thermostat & prep pipes.
• Pack an emergency kit (blanket, water, non‑perishable snacks) for travel.
• Dress in layers; keep a wind‑proof shell handy.
• Adjust outdoor plans – prioritize indoor or sheltered activities if wind chill < 30 °F.

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Prepared by Daniel Foster, senior content writer – Archyde.com