Honestly, if you woke up in Fort Lauderdale this morning thinking it was just another standard "sunshine and flip-flops" kind of day, you might be in for a bit of a shock. We’re looking at a pretty weird transition today, January 15, 2026. Right now, it’s 66°F and feels relatively mild with some "partly sunny" vibes, but there is a major shift happening behind the scenes that’s going to make the evening feel significantly different.
Basically, we're currently sitting with a humidity level of 81%, which is why that 66°F feels a little more damp than crisp. But don't let the morning light fool you. Fort Lauderdale weather today is defined by a passing front that’s bringing some light rain and a drastic drop in temperature once the sun goes down.
What’s Actually Happening with the Temperature?
You’ve probably seen the high of 69°F on your phone and thought, "That’s perfect." And it is! For a few hours. But the real story is the low. Tonight, the mercury is expected to plummet to 42°F.
That is a 27-degree swing.
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In South Florida, that’s basically an ice age. Most of the daytime will be spent under "mainly cloudy" skies with a 66% chance of light rain. If you're heading out to Las Olas or the beach early, you'll feel a southwest wind at 10 mph, but that’s going to shift to a much stiffer 19 mph west wind as the day progresses.
The Breakdown of Your Day
- Morning (Now - 11 AM): We’re hovering around 66°F. It’s partly sunny, but the clouds are moving in fast.
- Afternoon (12 PM - 5 PM): This is where the light rain is most likely. The high hits 69°F, but it won't feel particularly warm because of the clouds and the increasing wind.
- Evening (6 PM - Late): The rain clears out, the sky goes "clear," and the temperature begins its freefall toward 42°F.
Why the Wind Matters Today
It isn't just about the rain. We’re seeing a significant increase in wind speed. While it started at 10 mph, we’re looking at sustained winds of 19 mph from the west later today.
For the boaters out there, this is a "stay in the dock" kind of situation. The National Weather Service has issued a Small Craft Advisory. We're talking about northwest winds jumping to 20-25 knots in the afternoon with seas building from 4 to 6 feet, and occasionally up to 8 feet. The Intracoastal is going to be rough in exposed areas.
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If you were planning on a quick offshore run, maybe rethink that. Even the beach has purple flags flying—not just for the rougher surf, but for stinging jellyfish and Man of War that tend to get pushed around during these shifts.
The Cold Weather Advisory
There’s actually a formal Cold Weather Advisory in effect starting late tonight (technically 3 AM Friday) because the wind chill is expected to hit the 30s across Broward County. It’s the kind of weather where local officials start opening cold-weather shelters in Osceola and Orange counties, and while we aren't seeing snow like they're predicting for the Panhandle, it's a serious chill for us.
- Check your plants: If you have sensitive tropicals outside, you might want to bring them in.
- Pets: Keep them indoors. 42°F is cold for a dog used to 85°F.
- The "Florida Winter" Uniform: This is the day for the hoodie-and-shorts combo.
Marine and Beach Conditions at a Glance
The water temperature is actually warmer than the air right now, sitting at about 74°F. However, with the "rough" Intracoastal conditions and a 19 mph wind, it’s not exactly a "relaxing" day on the sand.
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High tide is at 5:12 PM. Low tide was earlier this morning at 11:42 AM. If you are walking the shoreline, keep an eye out for those Man of War; they're pretty, but they'll ruin your week if you step on one.
A Quick Reality Check
Most people think Fort Lauderdale is a tropical paradise 365 days a year. Usually, they're right. But today is a reminder that January can still bite. The UV index is incredibly low (only a 1), so you don't even really need to worry about a sunburn for once. It’s all about the wind and the incoming cold.
If you’re a local, you know the drill: find that one heavy sweater you own. If you’re a tourist, you’re probably heading to the nearest gift shop to buy a "Fort Lauderdale" hoodie because 42°F was definitely not in the brochure.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Layer up now: Don't get caught at dinner in a t-shirt when that front finishes moving through.
- Secure outdoor furniture: Those 19-25 mph gusts can toss a patio umbrella pretty easily.
- Monitor the marine updates: If you have a boat in the water, check your lines; the "rough" chop in the Intracoastal is no joke this afternoon.
- Prepare for Friday morning: Expect a very cold commute tomorrow with wind chills in the 30s.