Florida is bracing for a dramatic weather shift, with temperatures set to plunge after a spell of unseasonably warm weather. The National Weather Service predicts that some areas could experience temperature swings of up to 50 degrees, transitioning from highs approaching record levels to lows possibly dipping near freezing.
Initial forecasts indicate the cold front will sweep into Northeast Florida on Sunday, February 22, leading to overnight lows around freezing for many inland areas. The National Weather Service has warned that significant cooling will occur, marking the return of winter’s chill to the Sunshine State.
The coldest temperatures are expected Monday night, with forecasters cautioning that hard freezes could occur along the Interstate 10 corridor and could push as far south as the Ocala metro area. AccuWeather reports that lows in the upper 30s to lower 40s are likely across much of Florida, including potentially chilly nights in Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, and even Miami, which could see temperatures as low as 45 degrees.
Cities along the Panhandle, like Pensacola, will experience the most drastic drop, with low temperatures plummeting from the mid-60s on February 20 to the 25-30 degree range by Tuesday morning. In Tallahassee, highs are forecasted to linger in the mid-50s while lows could dip into the upper 20s.
Further south, weather outlooks indicate that Central and East Florida could face wind chills in the 20s early Tuesday morning, with freeze watches anticipated for several counties. For example, Daytona Beach and Orlando are expected to see similar conditions with highs only reaching the low 60s and lows plummeting into the 30s.
As anticipation builds for this chilly spell, the colder weather raises the possibility of iguanas dropping from trees. The reptiles, commonly seen in South Florida, can become temporarily immobilized when temperatures fall into the 40s.
After this wintry blast, temperatures across Florida are expected to slowly rebound starting Wednesday, February 25, although they are likely to remain below historical averages. Projections indicate that an additional cold front may arrive next week, though it is anticipated to be weaker than the current one.
In addition to the coming cold, Florida is grappling with severe drought conditions affecting 98.8% of the state, with 35 counties currently under burn bans due to increased wildfire risks. Despite the precipitation accompanying the cold front, it is unlikely to significantly alleviate the drought.
Overall, this unusual winter weather invites residents to prepare for a stark contrast in temperatures, reminding Florida’s inhabitants that the unpredictability of winter can still linger, even in the southernmost reaches of the United States.