Bitter cold mornings ahead<\/p>\n
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 Hey there, I\u2019m meteorologist Katie Garner from The Weather Authority team here at News4JAX. This is one of those forecasts that will have you digging out your warmest coat and giving your pets some extra cozy time indoors. A freeze warning is now in effect for the Jacksonville area, and it\u2019s expected to last through 9 a.m. tomorrow morning.<\/p>\n
Tonight, temperatures are forecast to tumble into the 20s. Wind chills? Well, let\u2019s just say they\u2019ll make you want to hit snooze and stay bundled up a little longer. Both Wednesday and Thursday mornings are also expected to bring lows well below freezing, so you\u2019ll definitely want to check on your pets, your plants, and yes\u2014your pipes, too.<\/p>\n
While we\u2019ll see high temperatures try to reach the 50s during the day, those frosty mornings are likely to stick around at least through Friday. Looking toward the weekend, don\u2019t expect much of a warmup just yet.<\/p>\n
Showers early, then clearing skies<\/p>\n
This morning started wet, with a line of showers moving through Jacksonville and surrounding areas, making for some tricky driving around 501 Riverside and near the airport. If you were out early, roads were slick and visibility was down, but the good news is those showers are expected to clear out by 8 a.m.<\/p>\n
After this front moves through, things dry out nicely. You can expect a drier rest of the week, with only a slight chance of rain after today. It\u2019s the kind of snap in the weather that makes you almost forget you were sweating on the beach just a couple days ago!<\/p>\n
Drought still gripping the region<\/p>\n
While the cold and wind take center stage, the long-term story in our area is the worsening drought. The latest update from our Exact Track 4D drought monitor shows extreme drought creeping into Georgia, and North Florida stuck in severe to moderate drought conditions. With only a sprinkle of rain in the forecast, don\u2019t expect much improvement in our drought situation this week.<\/p>\n
What you need to do now<\/p>\n
With this kind of forecast, protecting your family and furry friends is key. Bring pets inside, cover any delicate plants, and insulate your pipes. And if you\u2019re heading out to walk the dog, waiting until after sunrise means it\u2019ll be a little less damp and a little more sunny.<\/p>\n