A significant cold outbreak has swept across Florida, resulting in record-breaking low temperatures in multiple cities. Palm Beach County recorded its coldest temperatures of the fall season, with residents waking up to lows in the 40s on November 11. Palm Beach International Airport noted a low of 45 degrees, narrowly missing the county’s Veterans Day record of 42 degrees established in 1913.
This sudden cold snap was attributed to an influx of Arctic air, which descended southward through a fissure in the polar vortex, bringing temperatures well below the seasonal average. Wellington recorded a low of 44 degrees, while Boca Raton saw temperatures drop to 48 degrees. The frigid air, moving from the North Pole, brought temperatures that were 20 to 25 degrees below normal, leading to unusual events such as iguanas falling from trees due to the chill.
Though the colder weather caught many off guard, meteorologists predict it will be short-lived. According to the National Weather Service, the cold temperatures will persist for just a day, with a warm-up expected in the latter part of the week. “We’ll remain chilly today,” remarked National Weather Service meteorologist Chris Fisher, noting that temperatures might only reach the mid- to upper 60s. However, he assured Floridians that warmer conditions would soon return, with nighttime lows set to be significantly higher, and day temperatures forecast to rise into the low to mid-70s by November 12. By the weekend, even warmer weather is anticipated with highs in the 80s.
In addition to Palm Beach County, other areas in Florida also reported record low temperatures. Jacksonville experienced an average low of 28 degrees, breaking its previous record, while Pensacola dropped to 31 degrees. Orlando recorded a low of 36, well below its previous record of 39. The data shows that many cities, including St. Augustine and Fort Myers, also felt the impact of the cold snap, breaking their historical low records.
Despite the chill, the forecast looks promising as temperatures are expected to recover swiftly, offering residents a warm respite after the brief cold spell.