Snowfall Pushes Deep Into Florida as Reports Confirm Flurries Near Tampa, Jacksonville, and West Palm Beach Saturday Evening
FLORIDA — Snow that began earlier Saturday across Northern Florida and the Florida Panhandle has now pushed farther south, with confirmed reports of snow near Tampa, Jacksonville, and West Palm Beach as of 7:20 p.m. Eastern on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
Radar imagery and public reports indicate that this is not limited to one isolated area, but rather a broader southward expansion of wintry precipitation into parts of Central and East Florida, an extremely rare occurrence for late January.
Snow Reports Confirmed Across Multiple Florida Cities
According to the mapped observations, snow or snow flurries have been reported in or near:
- Jacksonville, including areas around Fruit Cove and St. Augustine
- Gainesville and Ocala
- Tampa and nearby inland communities
- West Palm Beach and Port St. Lucie
Some locations closer to the coast are also reporting mixed precipitation, including sleet or brief snow bursts, depending on proximity to warmer marine air.
Why Snow Is Reaching So Far South
This unusual event is being driven by a strong surge of cold air pressing southward across the state, allowing temperatures to fall low enough for snow to survive farther south than normal. Once the colder air became firmly established, even light precipitation bands were able to produce visible snowfall, especially during heavier bursts.
Snowfall Is Patchy but Notable
The snowfall is not uniform. Some communities are seeing brief flurries or bursts of snow, while others nearby may only experience cold rain or sleet. This uneven distribution is typical during marginal southern snow events, where small temperature differences determine precipitation type. Even so, snow reaching areas like Tampa Bay and South Florida coastal communities is highly unusual and noteworthy.
What Happens Next
As the evening progresses:
- Snow chances may fluctuate depending on moisture availability
- Temperatures will remain cold enough for snow in some areas overnight
- Any additional precipitation could continue to fall as snow or a wintry mix
Residents across affected parts of Florida are urged to remain cautious, especially where sudden snow bursts could briefly reduce visibility or create slick spots. NapervilleLocal.com will continue to monitor this rare Florida winter event and provide updates as additional reports come in.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.