A significant cold front is set to sweep through South Florida, bringing the first notable chill of the season. According to the National Weather Service in Miami, temperatures will plummet overnight on November 10, dipping into the 30s in some parts of Palm Beach County early on November 11.
Forecasts predict low temperatures in the mid- to upper 40s for coastal Palm Beach County, while inland areas around Lake Okeechobee could see temperatures fall to the lower 40s. Northwest winds blowing at speeds of 10 to 15 mph, with gusts peaking at 20 mph, are expected to create a wind chill effect, making it feel even colder—similar to the 30s across the region.
Fortunately, this cold snap is expected to be short-lived. By November 12, temperatures are forecast to rebound back into the mid- to upper 70s, according to Chuck Caracozza, senior meteorologist for the Miami office of the weather service. “The good news is after Tuesday night, the lows are not going to be as cold,” Caracozza noted, adding that the upcoming lows will range from the upper 50s to around 60 degrees in metropolitan areas, and from the upper 40s to around 50 degrees in the Lake region.
Palm Beach County has not experienced temperatures this low since March 18, when the mercury dipped to the 50-degree mark. The drop in temperature is attributed to Arctic air filtering down through an opening in the polar vortex, propelled by north and northwest winds.
As temperatures begin their ascent again, winds are projected to shift towards the northeast on the night of November 11, ushering in warmer air and allowing South Florida to resume its typical climate.
In preparation for the cold snap, a cold weather advisory has been issued for inland Palm Beach County from 4 to 9 a.m. on November 11, as temperatures near Lake Okeechobee are anticipated to touch the mid-30s. Currently, there are no plans to open cold weather shelters in Palm Beach County, as officials state that these facilities are activated only when sustained temperatures fall below 40 degrees for prolonged periods.
For residents, this chilly reminder of the season presents an opportunity to embrace the cozy warmth of home during a rare cold streak in the usually mild Florida climate.