The chill has officially settled in, with temperatures staying in the 60s through Saturday. While Sunday might see a brief climb into the low 70s, the current winter-like feel will dominate for now.
At 54 degrees this morning, many areas along the St. Johns River, from Jacksonville to Green Cove Springs, are experiencing similar conditions, with Mayport slightly warmer. Sunny skies grace the region, offering beautiful views, but you’ll want to bundle up for the brisk winds that accompany this drop in temperatures.
Wednesday night, a cold front swept through, bringing clear skies and significant cooling. Winds gusting up to 20 mph from the northwest will hold temperatures in check, with Thursday’s high only reaching 65 degrees. Expect the lower to mid-60s to continue through the next few days as cold air filters into the Deep South.
Nighttime temperatures will bring an added chill. On Friday, most areas will remain above freezing, with lows dipping to 44 degrees. By Friday night, inland zones might flirt with the upper 30s. Breezes persisting through Friday will amplify early morning wind chills, making it feel like freezing in places like Macclenny.
The coldest night is forecasted to be Friday into Saturday morning, with wind chills feeling closer to 35 degrees and some inland areas nearing the upper 20s. This year’s cooler weather arrived later than last year, when temperatures dropped into the low 40s by early November, and the first freeze occurred on November 30.
Looking ahead
A gradual warm-up is on the horizon. Sunday will bring a return to the 70s, and by the first week of December, highs in the 80s could make a comeback.
For Thanksgiving, expect dry and pleasant conditions, with highs in the mid to upper 70s and no rain in the forecast for the rest of the month.