Winter Haven Braces for Overnight Freeze

Residents urged to prepare for below-freezing temperatures in Central Florida.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for the Winter Haven area, with temperatures expected to drop below freezing overnight. Residents are advised to take steps to protect sensitive plants and outdoor pipes, and to bring pets indoors.

Why it matters

Freezing temperatures are uncommon in Central Florida, and can pose risks to agriculture, infrastructure, and vulnerable populations if proper precautions are not taken. The freeze warning highlights the need for community preparedness as the region experiences more extreme weather events.

The details

According to the weather forecast, temperatures in Winter Haven are expected to drop to 28°F (−2°C) overnight, with the freeze warning in effect from 11 PM to 9 AM. Winds will be light, around 5 mph (8 km/h), which could contribute to the potential for frost formation. The freeze warning covers all of Polk County, including the cities of Lakeland and Bartow.

  • The freeze warning is in effect from 11 PM on February 16, 2026 to 9 AM on February 17, 2026.

The players

National Weather Service

The National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data and forecasts for the United States.

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What’s next

Residents are advised to take steps to protect sensitive plants, insulate outdoor pipes, and bring pets indoors to avoid the risks associated with the freezing temperatures.

The takeaway

This freeze warning highlights the need for Central Florida communities to be prepared for increasingly unpredictable and extreme weather events, and to have plans in place to protect vulnerable populations and infrastructure.