MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – The 352 is about to get hit with what may be its most prolonged cold snap of the season, as the southern dregs of Winter Storm Fern bring freezing overnight temperatures to the area starting the evening of Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.

While the North Central Florida region should be spared that kind of blackouts and life-endangering environmental factors currently plaguing the eastern seaboard, we’re looking at several days’ worth of subfreezing nighttime temps, which kick in a number of notices and resources.

Here’s everything we know about what’s coming; this story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Freeze warning

A freeze warning is in effect for Lake, Marion, Sumter and Volusia counties until at least 9 a.m. Tuesday morning, as overnight temperatures are expected to drop as low as 28 degrees tonight. The warning may continue or return, as the seven-day forecast calls for similar temperatures below freezing on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday nights. Temps are expected to rise slightly above freezing overnight Thursday and Friday.

Cold weather shelters

At press time, various municipalities in the 352 have announced that shelters will be opening, at least overnight on Monday.

City of Gainesville: Gainesville’s Cold Night Shelter Program, which kicks in whenever temperatures are expected to drop below 45 degrees, will remain in effect from Monday, Jan. 26 through Saturday, Jan. 31. Shelter is available at both St. Francis House (413 S. Main St.) and GRACE Marketplace at the Empowerment Center (3055 NE 28th Dr.). The former is appropriate for families, women and children, while the latter primarily serves individual adults.

Lake County: Lake County will operate an overnight shelter Monday, Jan. 16 at LifePointe Church (3551 E. Orange Ave., Eustis), and is coordinating with The Salvation Army in Leesburg (2605 South St.) to open a daytime warming center Monday and Tuesday. Lake County is also coordinating free transportation via LakeXpress.

Lake County residents unable to access a LakeXpress shuttle stop can call 352-742-2612 before 2 p.m. on Monday, and all residents can text “COLD” to 888-777 to receive updates on cold-weather resources.

Cold weather mitigation

Remember the “three Ps” of unusually cold weather–your People, your Pets and your Plants–and keep your phones charged and handy to stay up to date with the latest information and weather reports. We’re not Maine, but we’re also not always prepared for five days of freezing or near-freezing temperatures.