Freeze Warning Issued for Parts of Florida

Temperatures could drop below freezing in northern, central, and southwestern regions of the state.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning and cold weather advisory for large portions of Florida, with temperatures expected to dip into the mid-20s Fahrenheit overnight. The warning covers northeast, northern, central, and southwest parts of the state, including cities like Jacksonville, Gainesville, Orlando, and Fort Myers. Residents are advised to take precautions to protect tender vegetation, outdoor pets, and vulnerable populations like the young and elderly.

Why it matters

Freezing temperatures are uncommon in much of Florida, and can pose risks to agriculture, infrastructure, and public health if proper preparations are not made. This event highlights the increasing variability of winter weather patterns in the state due to climate change.

The details

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures could reach as low as 26 degrees Fahrenheit in northern Florida, 29 degrees in central Florida, and 31 degrees in southwestern parts of the state. Wind chills could make it feel as low as 22 degrees in central Florida. The freeze warning is in effect until 9 a.m. ET on Tuesday, and the cold weather advisory covers nearby regions.

  • The freeze warning and cold weather advisory are in effect from Monday night through Tuesday morning.
  • Temperatures are expected to dip to their lowest levels between midnight and 6 a.m. ET on Tuesday.

The players

National Weather Service (NWS)

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing alerts and warnings across the United States.

Jennifer Tate

An NWS meteorologist who spoke to Newsweek about the cold weather event.

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What they’re saying

“For residents who aren't used to these temperatures, they should stay inside if possible, and dress in layers.”

— Jennifer Tate, NWS Meteorologist (Newsweek)

“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. Be sure to wear warm clothes tomorrow morning!”

— NWS Tallahassee (X)

What’s next

The NWS will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the freezing temperatures throughout the night and into Tuesday morning.

The takeaway

This unexpected cold snap in Florida serves as a reminder of the need for residents and local authorities to be prepared for extreme weather events, even in typically warm climates. Proper precautions can help protect vulnerable populations, infrastructure, and the state's agricultural industry.