Arctic blast could bring snow to parts of Florida this weekend

Forecasters say an Arctic blast may push cold air into far northern Florida this weekend, with a chance of a rain-and-snow mix and little to no accumulation. Freeze watches are in effect across much of northern and central Florida for late Thursday through Friday morning.

An Arctic blast is forecast to push cold air into parts of Florida this weekend. Forecasters say there is a chance a few snowflakes could reach far northern Florida between Saturday night and early Sunday morning. Meteorologists expect a rain-and-snow mix with little to no accumulation if snow does fall. The intrusion of cold air is being tied to a stretching and displacement of the polar vortex over far northern Canada. What is known: - Forecasters say a few snowflakes could reach far northern Florida Saturday night into early Sunday, likely as a rain-and-snow mix with little to no accumulation. - This potential mainly applies to areas along and north of Interstate 10 in Florida. - The Weather Prediction Center said a series of cold fronts will pass through the upper Midwest this week, bringing snow and mixed precipitation northward. - Freeze watches from the National Weather Service are in effect for much of northern and central Florida late Thursday through Friday morning. - Parts of the Florida Panhandle are expected to see a hard freeze with temperatures around 20–25°F, with some inland areas possibly in the upper teens. Summary: If snow occurs, it is expected to be light with little to no accumulation and limited to far northern parts of the state. Freeze watches remain in effect for northern and central Florida into Friday morning. Dry, chilly conditions are expected to continue into the first half of next week.