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Isolated areas of Florida could experience subzero temperatures later this week, according to a newly released report. map from the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

News week contacted the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) for comment via email.

Why it matters

The threat of falling temperatures comes after much of the state, along with several others, were under a dense fog warning from the National Weather Service (NWS) this week. These included Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.

The NWS warns that while everyone is exposed to the dangers of cold, certain groups, such as newborns, the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers and people experiencing homelessness, are particularly vulnerable to its effects.

What you need to know

Felt temperature, also known as apparent temperature, represents how the human body perceives the outside temperature taking into account factors other than the actual air temperature. This measure incorporates things like wind speed, air temperature, and humidity.

The FDEM said Friday evening, parts of the northern Panhandle could see temperatures near or near freezing (32°F) as cool air moves south, with scattered frosts likely to develop in the area overnight and Saturday morning.

Parts of the Panhandle can expect low temperatures near or below freezing Saturday evening. By Saturday morning, felt temperatures will range from the upper 20s to low 30s in the Panhandle and Big Bend, while Northeast Florida and the Big Bend coast will experience temperatures felt in the mid 30s , the department said.

It also said low temperatures in the 30s were expected throughout the Panhandle, Big Bend and parts of the Nature Coast.

According to the map, Florida counties where the temperature could be as low as freezing include, but are not limited to:

• Escambia
• Saint Rose
• Okaloosa
• Walton
• Holmes
• Bay
• Jackson
• Freedom
• Washington
• Calhoun
• Jefferson
• Madison

What people say

The NWS advises that in cold weather, people should wear layers of loose, warm clothing, as well as a hat. He suggests staying dry and sheltered from the wind, covering your mouth to protect your lungs from the extreme cold.

If pipes freeze, he warns to never attempt to thaw them using a torch or open flame. It is instead recommended to use a hair dryer.

What happens next

Sunday morning, temperatures in the Panhandle and Big Bend will appear to be in the 20s to 30s, while the Big Bend coastline will see temperatures in the mid-30s, FDEM said.

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