Weather Miami: Historic Cold Snap Threatens South Florida
Much of Florida has enjoyed mild temperatures in recent weeks, but a dramatic shift is on the horizon. An arctic blast is poised to bring potentially record-breaking cold to the Sunshine State, extending as far south as the Florida Keys. This isn’t just the coldest air of the season; it could be the coldest in over 15 years for parts of South Florida.
From Record Warmth to Record Cold
Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach recently broke record highs on Monday. Now, they face the possibility of record lows and record cold highs this weekend – a true weather rollercoaster! The coldest air will arrive on Saturday, peaking on Sunday and Monday.
Temperature Forecast
- Northern Florida: Temperatures could plummet into the teens on Sunday morning.
- Central Florida (Orlando): Temperatures may struggle to reach the 40s with strong winds.
- South Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale): Lows in the mid-30s are expected on Sunday morning, with wind chills at or below freezing. Afternoon highs will only reach the mid-50s.
- Florida Keys: Temperatures could drop into the 40s on Sunday morning and remain in the 50s during the day.
There’s even a slight chance of flurries in parts of northern Florida, including the Tampa Bay area, on Saturday night – a rare occurrence!
National Weather Service Warnings
The National Weather Service Office in Melbourne is warning of “hard freeze” conditions on Sunday and Monday mornings. Residents are urged to protect plants, pets, people, and pipes from the unusual cold snap. The National Weather Service provides detailed forecasts and safety information.
Widespread Cold Across the Eastern US
This cold snap isn’t limited to Florida. The Ohio Valley, mid-Atlantic, and Northeast will experience record-cold temperatures from Thursday through Saturday, with temperatures potentially dropping into the single digits and below zero. The Deep South and Southeast will also be impacted, with potential record lows from Arkansas to the Carolinas. Even Washington, D.C., is expected to see temperatures in the single digits on Friday morning.
Recent Record Lows
Numerous daily record lows were set across the Deep South on Monday, including:
- New Orleans: 27°F
- San Antonio, Texas: 19°F
- Austin, Texas: 19°F
- Tulsa, Oklahoma: 0°F
Some of these records hadn’t been broken since the 1940s or 1960s, highlighting the severity of this cold snap. Further record lows were set Tuesday across Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and South Carolina.
Stay Safe and Informed
Stay updated with the latest forecasts from The Weather Channel and heed the advice of local authorities. Protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property from the extreme cold.
Source: Jennifer Gray, weather.com
