Cold temperatures ring in new year
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Good morning and Happy New Year! Jacksonville is really starting 2026 on a chilly note. I’m watching temperatures sitting at 33 degrees early this morning, and Exact Track 4D radar confirms some areas are feeling closer to 28—that’s definitely a bitter wind chill.
I know, Mother Nature feels a little disrespectful right now! We have frost advisories and freeze warnings in place, so make sure you bundle up if you’re heading out the door, especially in the early hours. That cold air isn’t just inconvenient—it can really catch you off guard.
Severe drought stretches across region
Now, let’s talk about our next big concern—our ongoing drought. The latest drought monitor shows a severe drought ranging from Waycross down to Gainesville, with moderate drought conditions for just about everyone else in our area. Yes, it’s dry as a bone right now, and that can really take a toll on those gardens and lawns.
We’re all feeling it, and I can tell you, it’s a top concern as we head into January. We still need a real soak to get those soil conditions back on track.
Weekend rain relief and milder weather coming
Thankfully, there’s reason to be optimistic about some relief. I’m seeing spotty showers in the forecast for Friday, and it’s likely we’ll get more meaningful rain on Saturday. If you have outdoor plans, just keep an umbrella close by!
Sunday looks better, especially if you’re planning to catch the Jags game—there’s only a 20 percent chance of showers right around game time, so it’s expected to be mostly dry. After that, we’ll start to see low temperatures climb out of the 30s and settle in the 40s and 50s, with highs warming up to the 70s for a much nicer start to next week.
Day-to-day details and lifestyle updates
If you’re walking the dog or planning some gardening today, keep those layers handy! Morning temps are sticking to the 30s but could reach the 60s by afternoon under clear skies. Remember, we’re still in a drought, so conserving water is smart—but those weekend showers should help a little.
And if you’re a plant lover, just know that Saturday’s rain is expected to give those gardens a bit of a boost. For my fellow “plant-challenged” folks—all my plants are fake or already gone, so I’m right there with you!
Share what you’re experiencing
I’d love to see how you’re handling the cold or capturing these rare frosty Jacksonville mornings. Snap a photo and share it at SnapJAX—I just might feature it during our next segment!
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