## Arctic Cold Front to Bring frigid Temperatures to Florida Ahead of New Year’s Eve
Dec. 26, 2025, 11:21 a.m. ET
An Arctic cold front is coming up fast, and could bring some of the coldest temperatures of the season to some Florida counties just before the arrival of the new year.
For some counties, freeze warnings or cold weather advisories are possible next week ahead of New Year’s Eve.
Of course, Florida being Florida, the cold front is following on the heels of unseasonably warm temperatures.➤ weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location
High temperatures were expected to climb into the middle to upper 70s across North Florida on Dec.26, with a few lower 80s possible. Upper 70s to lower 80s were expected in Central and South Florida, according to the Florida Department of Emergency Management.The cold front is forecast to move through Florida on Monday and Tuesday, just in time to send temps down ahead of New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31.Here’s what you shoudl know, along with when frost, freeze and cold weather advisories are issued by the National Weather Service.
## Weather watches and warnings## Cold front expected to bring freezing temps to some Florida counties before New Year’s Eve
- Pensacola, western Panhandle: “Well above-average temperatures are expected to continue through the weekend,” according to the National Weather service Mobile. “A strong cold front brings an end to this warmth beginning Monday (Dec. 29) with a cold weather advisory possibly being needed for Monday and Tuesday nights.”
- Tallahassee, central Panhandle: “Unseasonably warm temperatures through the weekend. Highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s. These temperatures are 10 to 15 degrees above climatological averages for this time of year,” the National Weather Service Tallahassee said. After a cold front moves Tuesday, Dec. 30, it could bring the “coldest temperatures of the season.“
- Jacksonville, North Florida: “Cold weather returns Monday night. See how low temperatures could drop before New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day across Florida behind cold front
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Temperature forecasts for New Year’s Eve and jan. 1, 2026, from AccuWeather:
* pensacola
* Dec. 31: High 56; low 39
* Jan. 1: High 61; low 47
* Tallahassee* Dec. 31: High 58; low 36
* Jan. 1: High 63; low 44
* Jacksonville* Dec. 31: High 60; low 40
* Jan. 1: High 63; low 46
* Daytona Beach* Dec. 31: High 63; low 44
* Jan. 1: High 65; low 47
* Melbourne* Dec. 31: High 62; low 49
* Jan. 1: High 65; low 53
* Port St. Lucie* Dec.31: High 66; low 53
* Jan. 1: High 67; low 55
* west Palm Beach* Dec.31: High 68; low 56
* Jan. 1: High 70; low 59
* miami* Dec.31: High 68; low 59
* Jan. 1: High 71; low 61
* Naples* Dec. 31: High 68; low 48
* Jan. 1: High 72; low 50
* Fort Myers* Dec. 31: High 66; low 48
Florida freeze Watch vs. Advisory: What’s the Difference?
as important, widespread freezing temperatures are expected, understanding the different types of cold weather alerts issued in Florida is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of frost advisories, freeze watches/warnings, cold weather advisories, and extreme cold watches/warnings:
What is a Frost Advisory?
A Frost Advisory is issued when temperatures are expected to reach between 32 and 36 degrees Fahrenheit. This typically occurs when radiative cooling overnight allows surfaces like bridges and exposed pipes to freeze. A Frost Advisory is a relatively mild alert, indicating potential for frost formation.
What is a Freeze Watch or Warning?
A freeze watch or warning is issued in Florida 24 to 48 hours in advance when temperatures are expected to hit 32 degrees or lower for at least two hours, according to the National Weather Service Tallahassee. A watch means conditions are favorable for a freeze to occur, while a warning means a freeze is imminent or occurring.
What is a Cold Weather Advisory?
A cold weather advisory is issued in Florida up to 24 hours ahead of when temperatures or wind chills of 15 to 24 degrees are expected, according to the National Weather Service Tallahassee. This advisory indicates conditions that could be hazardous to those not prepared for the cold.
What is an Extreme Cold Watch or Warning?
An extreme cold watch or warning is issued for temperatures or wind chills below 15 degrees, according to the National weather Service Tallahassee. These conditions pose a significant threat to life and property.
Current Florida Weather Alerts:
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Florida Faces Worsening Drought Conditions, Especially in North Florida
As of December 26, 2025, Florida is experiencing a range of drought conditions, from abnormally dry to extreme drought, particularly in North florida around Tallahassee. This information is based on a report from the National Weather Service dated December 24, 2025.https://www.weather.gov/media/tae/DGT/DGT_TAE_12242025.pdf
The National weather Service predicts that rainfall over the next two to three weeks will be significantly below normal,likely exacerbating the current drought situation. https://www.weather.gov/media/tae/DGT/DGT_TAE_12242025.pdf
currently, counties under extreme drought conditions include:
* Gadsden
* Northeast Liberty
* Leon
* Northern Wakulla
* Western JeffersonResidents are encouraged to stay informed about changing weather conditions. You can sign up for weather alerts via text message through Subtext: https://joinsubtext.com/weatherwatch?embed=true
The USA Today Network will continue to provide updates on the weather situation in Florida. You can download your local site’s app for ongoing news and find special subscription offers here: https://cm.usatodaynetwork.com/network-regional?region=florida