Parts of Florida’s Panhandle — including Pensacola and areas west of Tallahassee — could catch a few snowflakes this weekend as a new weather system moves through.
A run of strong Arctic cold fronts is driving a stretch of unusually low temperatures across the state, with freeze watches issued for large portions of Florida. At the same time, forecast model chatter on social media has fueled speculation about something even less typical for the Sunshine State: a chance of snow in northern Florida, particularly in the Panhandle.
Hard freezes aren’t common in Florida, and snow is rarer still. That’s why even the possibility of wintry precipitation is drawing attention from residents, farmers, and local officials. With many Floridians not used to prolonged cold, authorities are encouraging people to take precautions — especially to protect vulnerable individuals, pets, pipes, and plants.
Jeff Berardelli, chief meteorologist and climate specialist at Florida station WFLA-TV, addressed the snow talk on X Wednesday, noting that both European and American forecast models have shown snow potential for northern parts of the state — but warned it’s far from a sure thing.
“Will it happen? Too early to know,” Berardelli wrote in part, adding that model guidance has been inconsistent and confidence remains low. He noted it may be cold enough for flakes, but ground temperatures are expected to stay above freezing, making meaningful accumulation unlikely in Florida. Nearby states — including Georgia, Alabama, and the Carolinas — could be a different story, he said.
Noah Bergen, weeknight senior meteorologist for FOX35 Orlando, also posted on X Wednesday that newer model guidance suggested a stronger snow signal near Tallahassee on Sunday. Bergen said European ensemble forecasts showed a growing number of simulations producing enough snow to potentially stick, though he emphasized it’s still a trend to watch.
Temperatures are expected to fall into the 20s in parts of the state beginning Thursday. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), most of Florida is under either a cold weather advisory or a freeze watch.
NWS meteorologist Joe Wegman told Newsweek on Wednesday that Saturday night currently looks like the best window for snow chances, with the Panhandle most likely to see snow that falls but doesn’t accumulate.
“There is certainly not unanimous agreement of that happening as most of the other models show dry, plain rain, or a few flurries on Sunday morning,” Wegman added.
