Arctic Blast Grips the First Coast: Jacksonville Faces Dangerous Freeze and High Winds

A Bitter Start to February

Jacksonville residents are waking up to some of the most dangerously cold conditions seen in years as an intense arctic air mass settles over Northeast Florida. As of Sunday morning, February 1, 2026, the National Weather Service has placed the region under an Extreme Cold Warning, a rare designation for the First Coast that signals a significant threat to life and property for those left unprotected.

Morning Forecast: Peak Intensity

The morning hours will be the most brutal. With actual air temperatures hovering in the low 20s, the real story is the wind chill. Strong northwesterly winds gusting between 35 and 45 mph are making it feel as cold as the low teens across Duval County. The Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect until 10:00 AM, and residents are urged to avoid outdoor activities during this window. If you must be outside, ensure no skin is exposed, as frostbite can occur much faster than typical Florida winters allow.

Afternoon Outlook: Sunny but Deceptive

As we move into the afternoon, the sun will be out in full force, but do not let the clear skies fool you. The high is expected to struggle to reach just 44°F. The Wind Advisory that dominated the early morning will technically expire, but breezy conditions will persist, keeping the "feels-like" temperature well below the actual thermometer reading throughout the day. This is a day for heavy coats, gloves, and hats, even during the brightest hours of the afternoon.

Evening and Overnight: The Freeze Returns

The respite from the wind during the day will be short-lived as a new set of hazards takes hold this evening. A Freeze Warning has been issued starting at 7:00 PM tonight and will remain in effect through Monday morning. Temperatures are forecasted to drop to a low of 27°F. With winds calming slightly overnight, widespread frost is expected to develop after 1:00 AM, posing a severe risk to sensitive vegetation and outdoor plumbing.

Safety Alerts and Warming Centers

City officials have extended emergency measures to protect the community’s most vulnerable. The following alerts and resources are active today:

• Extreme Cold Warning: Active until 10:00 AM Sunday.
• Freeze Warning: Beginning at 7:00 PM Sunday through 10:00 AM Monday.
• Warming Centers: The Legends Center on Soutel Drive will remain open until noon today to provide a warm environment and supplies for those in need.
• The 5 P’s: Residents are reminded to check on People, Pets, Plants, Pipes, and practice fire safety with Portable heaters.

Stay tuned to jacksonville.news for further updates as this historic cold snap continues through the start of the week.