Cold snap to ring in New Year
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hey Jacksonville, Katie Garner here with The Weather Authority. Big changes are on the way as we head into New Year’s—so let’s talk about how you can get ready.
I want to start with the cold air that’s moving in behind the front. Overnight temperatures are dropping sharply, hitting the 30s for several days. I know last week felt warmer, and maybe some of you missed having a chillier Christmas. Well, now you’re getting a real taste of winter!
Today’s high will reach around 79 degrees, but the cold front will sweep through fast, and by tomorrow morning, you’ll notice that dip: lows right down near 30 on Tuesday and staying cold through midweek. Get out those faux furs and cozy jackets—you’re going to need them as you ring in 2026!
If you want a peek at where temperatures are headed next, you can always find the latest charts with Exact Track 4D right here at News4JAX.
Gusty winds and patchy rain today
Now, let’s talk about wind and rain. There’s a line of spotty showers coming in from the west, expected to develop by 11 a.m. It’s a narrow band, and we’ve got about a 20 percent chance at seeing rain—so not everyone will get wet.
Behind the rain, it gets even more blustery. Winds will be picking up throughout the afternoon, gusting up to 30 miles per hour for some spots, especially across Northeast Florida and into Southeast Georgia. You’ll want to bring in or secure anything light outside. By late afternoon, winds should gradually ease down to the teens, but it’s likely to stay breezy for most of the day.
All of this should clear out by 4 p.m., bringing in that colder, drier air. Rain chances fall away after tonight, and we’re staying mostly dry for the rest of the week—which, as you’ll see below, is something we really need right now.
Dense fog for morning travelers
This morning started with dense fog in several areas, especially places like Palm Coast, Palatka, Green Cove Springs, Orange Park, Stark, Gainesville, Lake City, and even up into parts of Georgia. Visibility dropped fast, and it’s something you’ll want to watch out for if you’re planning an early commute or hitting the roads as the sun comes up.
Airport conditions were clear at the start of my forecast, but some patches of fog could work in there as well. Take it slow and keep an eye out—especially in those highlighted fog-prone towns.
Drought monitor and outdoor plans
One last note before you head outside—drought conditions remain a concern in parts of our area, with the severe zone reaching into Georgia and nearby counties. While the rain chance is limited, any precipitation today would be helpful.
Planning a walk with the dogs or getting some cardio in? By 2 p.m., we’ll be in the upper 70s, but bundle up for those much cooler evenings ahead.
If you spot any wild weather in your neighborhood—dramatic fog, windy scenes, or big drops in temperature—share your photos with our SnapJAX community at news4jax.com/snapjax. I’d love to see how you’re braving the elements!
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