Panama City - Florida Division of Emergency Management officials are encouraging residents and visitors across Florida’s panhandle to prepare for freezing temperatures overnight through Thursday.

The National Weather Service has issued a Freeze Warning from Escambia County east to Nassau County and south to Citrus County through early Thursday morning. A Freeze Warning means sub-freezing temperatures are imminent or highly likely for at least two hours. Freeze Warnings are likely to be issued for the same areas Thursday night as well.

“Though no Hard Freeze Warnings have been issued, this is the first widespread freeze of the season,” said State Meteorologist Amy Godsey. “Now is a good opportunity for residents to review cold weather safety tips and prepare for future freezes.”

Throughout inland areas of the Florida Panhandle, Big Bend and Northeast Florida, temperatures will reach between 28 and 32 degrees with slightly warmer temperatures along the immediate coast.

For locations that do not quite reach freezing Wednesday night, low temperatures in the middle 30’s will still support areas of frost formation. These conditions can kill crops and other sensitive vegetation.