South Florida is bracing for its most significant cold snap in over a decade as an arctic air mass follows a formidable cold front this weekend, leading to the coldest temperatures in 16 years for the region. Residents can expect the potential for daily record low temperatures this Sunday and Monday.
This morning, a powerful cold front is sweeping through South Florida, bringing with it early showers, strong winds, and the season’s chilliest air. Before this bitter chill sets in, gusty conditions will take hold on Saturday after the morning rain, escalating through the afternoon and evening. A Wind Advisory is already active, with gusts predicted to reach up to 40 mph. Additionally, a Gale Warning is in effect for coastal areas from 10 a.m. Saturday to 1 p.m. Sunday, with gusts forecasted at 40-45 knots and waves building between 9 to 14 feet.
High temperatures on Saturday are expected to be only in the lower 60s, though increasing winds of 20-30 mph will create a chillier feeling throughout the day. Residents are advised to secure outdoor items that could be easily blown away.
The impending cold blast is linked to a strong low-pressure system currently affecting the Southeast U.S., which has ushered in a sharp cold front across Florida. After sunset, conditions will quickly worsen as a surge of cold, dry air spreads over the area. Overnight lows are projected to drop into the 20s along the Treasure Coast, while Palm Beach County can expect lows around the lower 30s. Wind chills may plunge into the teens and 20s, and Northwest winds at 15-25 mph, gusting to 35 mph, will contribute to a bone-chilling night.
Several alerts are in effect due to the anticipated plummeting temperatures. An Extreme Cold Warning has been issued through Sunday morning, forecasting lows in the 20s for the Treasure Coast and the 30s for Palm Beach County, where wind chills will also hover around the 20s. Moreover, a Freeze Warning has been put into effect through Sunday morning, indicating that widespread frost and freeze conditions are likely. Sensitive plants may sustain damage, prompting pet owners to bring their animals indoors.
Despite the return of sunshine on Sunday, cold temperatures will persist, with highs only reaching the 40s and low 50s. Northwest winds will continue to blow at up to 25 mph, creating an even colder experience.
As the weekend cold snap lingers into Monday, early morning temperatures are again expected to dip into the 20s along the Treasure Coast, while Palm Beach will see readings in the middle 30s. Fortunately, after the cold front passes, a dry continental air mass will prevail through the weekend and into early next week, with temperatures projected to rebound to the 70s by Wednesday before another cold front is set to arrive on Thursday morning.
This cold weather serves as a reminder of South Florida’s capacity for surprising winter experiences, and hopefully, residents are prepared to enjoy the unique chill while taking precautions to stay safe and warm.