Severe Thunderstorm, Tornado Risk For Florida Panhandle

TALLAHASSEE, Florida – The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center issued a severe weather outlook for Southeast Alabama, Southwest Georgia, the Florida Panhandle, and Big Bend due to a Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) of strong to severe thunderstorms on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

According to the National Weather Service Tallahassee, a cold front with embedded strong thunderstorms will move across southeast Alabama and southwest Georgia from Saturday morning into the early evening, impacting the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend during the day.

The primary hazards are isolated strong/severe wind gusts (40-60 mph) and hail. A brief tornado or two can’t be ruled out.

The greatest chance for severe weather is across the Florida Panhandle. Cities at risk for severe weather include:

• Panama City
• Apalachicola
• Defuniak Springs
• Tallahassee

The rain and cloud coverage will bring some much needed relief to the Florida Panhandle, but it will not be enough to end the ongoing severe drought.

High temperatures across the Florida Panhandle will be around 70°F on Saturday with lows around 60°F overnight.