The coldest air of the season will arrive by Thursday morning across SWFL. A strong cold front now moving through parts of the Deep South will bring the Arctic chill back to the area. Two weeks ago we saw temps drop well into the 30s across parts of the area, and it looks like we are on track to do it again Thu. morning. It appears that this time, the cold will be shorter duration, but it will be slightly colder than what we saw two weeks ago. In fact, the air with this next front is so cold, it is creating problems with wintry weather well into the Deep South, with parts of northwest Florida under Winter Weather Advisories through Wednesday for freezing rain, sleet and snow, including places like Panama City, Crestview and Pensacola.
Wednesday will be another day of highs in the 70s, but temperatures will tank behind the front by Wednesday night. By Thursday morning, many areas will see low temps in the 30s, with some freezing temps possible well inland. Expect at least a couple of hours of temps well into the 30s before they rebound to around 60 Thursday afternoon. The most likely area for freezing temps will be areas east of I-75 through DeSoto, inland Sarasota, Inland Charlotte, Inland Lee, Glades (areas away from Lake Okeechobee) , Hendry (areas away from Lake Okeechobee) and Inland Collier...in places such as Immokalee. The numbers you see in the image and movie are on the extreme end of the spectrum, but it is not out of the question several locations could drop to freezing by Thu. morning.
*FREEZE WARNINGS* will likely be issued by Wed. night for parts of SWFL in anticipation of the cold temperatures. Make preparations to protect cold-sensitive plants and pets.
By Friday, we'll be approaching 70 and some areas could see temps near 80 by later this weekend.
FOX 4 CHIEF METEOROLOGIST DEREK BEASLEY
