Weather

Extremely cold weather across Northwest Florida for the Christmas Holiday Weekend

On Wednesday, December 21, 2022, Okaloosa Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox sent out an update regarding the incoming arctic air that is moving toward the northern Gulf Coast. According to Maddox, a powerful arctic cold front will move across our area late Thursday into early Friday morning. Temperatures by Friday morning are forecast to be in […]

Jared Williams

On Wednesday, December 21, 2022, Okaloosa Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox sent out an update regarding the incoming arctic air that is moving toward the northern Gulf Coast.

Overall, the forecast has had little change, with the exception of a HARD FREEZE WATCH now coming into the picture.

According to Maddox, a powerful arctic cold front will move across our area late Thursday into early Friday morning. Temperatures by Friday morning are forecast to be in the teens and 20s. Strong northwest winds are expected to follow in the wake of the front with winds currently forecast to gust frequently to 30mph or more by Friday morning and remaining somewhat elevated on Friday night.

“Given these gusty northwest winds, it will feel much colder with wind chill temperatures forecast to be in the single digits over almost the entire area on Friday morning, with below zero values possible across far inland areas,” he wrote. “With winds remaining somewhat elevated on Friday night, expect similar wind chill values Friday night into Saturday morning.”

He says that Friday high temperatures will struggle to climb above freezing over much of the area and may stay in the 20s over far inland areas. Even the immediate coast will only warm to the mid/upper 30s.

Friday and Saturday nights will see lows drop into the teens over much of the area with low/mid 20s across the beach areas.
Highs on Christmas Eve will still struggle to climb out of the 30s and may still not climb above freezing in some inland areas.

Maddox added that it is possible that once some areas north of Highway 84 drop below freezing late Thursday night/Friday morning that temperatures may not rise back above freezing until Sunday afternoon.

“A HARD FREEZE WATCH is now in effect for all areas along and northwest of the I-65 corridor beginning late Thursday night,” he added. “Friday night through Christmas morning, a hard freeze watch is in effect for the entire region. Expect all areas currently in a hard freeze watch to be upgraded to a hard freeze warning as the event gets closer.”

According to the National Weather Service, as it stands now, daily highs on Christmas Eve will rank in the Top 5 coldest days since records began.

Christmas morning, as lows plunge into the teens for much of the area, it will rank in the Top 5 Coldest Christmas Mornings on record.

Cold Weather Shelters will be open:

South County: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday morning

One Hopeful Place Opens at 4:00 PM.
850-586-7879
1564 Percy L Coleman Rd
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Website: https://onehopefulplace.org

Pickup location is Bridgeway Center, 205 Shell Ave, Fort Walton Beach. Shuttle service starts at 3:30 and 4:00PM

North County: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless.

Opens at 6:00pm
850-398-5670
120 Duggan Ave,
Crestview, FL
Website: https://crestview.org

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Parks+Rec

New playground debuts at Marler Park on Okaloosa Island

Parks+Rec, Real Estate

Okaloosa approves purchase of Shoal River lots for Patriot Park expansion in Crestview

Public Safety

Okaloosa County taps John Moring as new corrections director

Giving Back

Okaloosa County proclaims America Saves Week for April 7-11

Ann Teel Hatcher commented on A Hometown Healer: Dr. Lee Thigpen’s 40-year legacy of healthcare in Crestview

“What a beautiful story of past, present, and future. Lee, you have left an amazing legacy. These words from Matthew 25:21 are fitting for you, ‘Well done, good and faithful...”

Respond

Leslie Sherrick commented on New beach bar brings ‘Old Florida’ feel to Sandpiper Cove in Destin

“Where do you park? Should run a shuttle for HI owners”

Cynthia commented on New beach bar brings ‘Old Florida’ feel to Sandpiper Cove in Destin

“They have served great food items and the staff is friendly and ready to make the Sandpiper owners and guests feel welcome and appreciated! I heard the Saturday music is...”

Joe E commented on New beach bar brings ‘Old Florida’ feel to Sandpiper Cove in Destin

“Interesting Risk, limiting your customer base. Wishes for success.”

Dr. Jonathan Fountain commented on A Hometown Healer: Dr. Lee Thigpen’s 40-year legacy of healthcare in Crestview

“Beulah & I extend heartfelt gratitude and congratulations for your decades of highly skilled, compassionate care for our community and my family. We love you & Cathy and pray God’s...”

Tami Holcomb commented on UWF archaeologists search for lost Fort Kirkland in Okaloosa County

“I've lived in the area all my life and we use to go arrowhead hunting in the area & use to find them.”

Donnie Hanson commented on THICK Cookie Co. set to open in Downtown Fort Walton Beach

“CANT WAIT, LOVE COOKIES & LOVE FOR MY 2 NEW FRIENDS .”

Richard "Mick" Micacchion commented on Brooks Bridge replacement project makes progress on multiple fronts

“Will the expansion joints used on the new bridge protect bicycle tires from puntures?”

Paul commented on City of Fort Walton Beach to begin all-day speed cameras in school zones starting April 1

“So Red Speed is going to make 20% on every ticket! I am guessing Red Speed approached the city, providing equipment and signage. Does this arrangement have a limited time...”