Brace yourselves for a brisk conclusion to 2023, as a Freeze Watch envelops much of our region, effective until 8:00 a.m. tomorrow. Inland residents might greet the morning with a shimmering layer of frost decorating their windshields and rooftops.
During the day, temperatures will linger below the usual range, peaking only in the mid to upper 50s. The sky remains clear, but don’t let the sunshine fool you; gusty winds, occasionally reaching 25-30 mph, will make it feel chillier, with wind chills hovering in the 40s.
As night falls, the cold tightens its grip. The Freeze Watch extends until 9:00 a.m. tomorrow, under a clear, starry sky. Expect the mercury to dip into the 30s, while wind chill factors could make it feel as cold as the upper 20s to low 30s.
Be mindful of ongoing minor flooding along the St. Marys and Santa Fe rivers. Inland areas, particularly, should prepare for potential freeze and frost conditions.
Looking ahead, the New Year ushers in a milder mood with Monday’s highs approaching the 70s. However, a new front arriving late Monday into Tuesday promises to keep the first week of 2024 on the cooler side, complete with sporadic showers.