Multiple cities in Florida are facing another freeze warning overnight and into New Year's Day morning as other portions of the state were issued a frost advisory.
The Sunshine State's rare freeze warnings and cold weather advisories affect millions of residents and potentially vulnerable populations unaccustomed to such conditions. Cold snaps of this intensity can damage infrastructure, harm sensitive crops, and put at risk those without adequate shelter or heating.
National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Scott Kleebauer told Newsweek on Monday that seasonal average lows in the central and northeast portions of the state are in the mid- to low 40s.
The freeze warning goes into place at 1 a.m. Thursday and ends at 8 a.m. The cities named in the warning include Lake City, Gainesville, Ocala, Jasper, Wildwood, Blue Springs and several others.
"Appropriate action should be taken to ensure tender vegetation and outdoor pets have adequate protection from the cold temperatures. Young children, the elderly and the homeless are especially vulnerable to the cold. Take measures to protect them," the NWS said in the warning.
Below is a map of the areas affected:
NWS Jacksonville said on X Wednesday: "Make sure to bundle up to ring in the New Year Tonight! Temperatures will drop into the 30s & 40s by midnight. If you're setting off fireworks, keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of water nearby. Dry soils & vegetation may make fires easier to start. Happy New Year!"
NWS Meteorologist Richard Bann told Newsweek via phone on Wednesday that it's not an "every year occurrence" that the state sees freeze warnings three days in a row. "It's not a common event," Bann added.
NWS Melbourne said on X Wednesday: "12/31/25 | A Frost Advisory goes into effect across most of east central Florida (excluding the coast east of I-95) from 1 AM to 9 AM on Thursday morning. Areas of frost will be possible, and patchy frost cannot be ruled out along the coast. Be sure to protect sensitive plants!"
Orlando, Lakeland, Fort Myers, Belle Glade and other cities are under a frost advisory from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. as temperatures dip to right above freezing, the NWS says.
"Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered," the NWS advisory notes.