Honestly, if you stepped outside in Jupiter this morning expecting that classic tropical warmth, you probably got a bit of a reality check. Jupiter Florida weather today is doing that thing where it reminds us that winter actually exists in the Sunshine State. We aren't talking about a blizzard, obviously, but the atmosphere is definitely shifting gears.
A cold front is currently muscling its way through Palm Beach County. It’s not just a subtle breeze; it’s a full-on change in the air mass that’s going to make the next 24 hours feel a lot different than the balmy start to the week.
What’s Actually Happening Right Now
Earlier today, you might have seen some messy skies. We had a line of passing showers and even a few rumbles of thunder moving through the area as the front arrived. Most of that rain is pushing offshore now, but it’s leaving behind some pretty brisk conditions.
The high for today is struggling to hit 68°F or 70°F depending on how much sun peeks through the clouds. That sounds nice on paper, but when you factor in the wind, it feels cooler.
Speaking of wind, it’s coming out of the west and northwest. It’s sustained at about 15 to 20 mph, but some gusts are hitting closer to 30 mph. If you’re near the Jupiter Inlet or walking along A1A by Carlin Park, you’re going to feel that bite.
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Tonight is where things get interesting.
The mercury is expected to plummet. We are looking at a low near 40°F to 42°F. For Jupiter, that is legit cold. You’ll want to make sure your pets are inside and maybe throw a frost blanket over those sensitive hibiscus plants if you’ve got 'em.
The Marine Forecast is a Mess
If you were planning on taking the boat out through the Jupiter Inlet today, you might want to reconsider. There is a Small Craft Advisory in effect.
The National Weather Service has been pretty clear about the hazards. As the wind kicks up from the northwest, the seas are building. Out in the open water, we’re looking at 4 to 6 feet, and it could get even hairier tonight with waves reaching up to 8 or 9 feet occasionally.
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The Gulf Stream is particularly choppy.
For the surfers, the swell is a bit of a mixed bag. Surf Captain and other local reports show 1 to 2 feet of "fair" conditions this morning, but it’s becoming increasingly wind-blown and messy. The water temperature is still hanging in there around 74°F or 75°F, so the ocean is actually warmer than the air right now.
But once you get out of that water? That 20 mph wind is going to feel like ice on your skin.
A Closer Look at the Numbers
Let's break down the timing for the rest of today so you can plan your errands or that evening walk at Harbourside Place.
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- Afternoon (1 PM - 5 PM): Clouds will start to break up a little. Expect temperatures to hover in the mid-60s. The wind will remain the main story.
- Evening (6 PM - 10 PM): This is when the temperature starts its real dive. It’ll drop into the 50s quickly once the sun goes down around 5:49 PM.
- Late Night/Early Morning: We hit the bottom. 40°F is the target. It’s going to be one of the coldest nights we’ve seen so far this season.
Is this normal? Sorta. January is historically our coolest month. According to the Farmers' Almanac and local climate data, the average low for this time of year is usually in the mid-50s. Seeing a 40°F or 42°F reading means we are about 10 to 15 degrees below the seasonal average.
What to Do Instead of the Beach
Since the beach is going to be a sandblasting experience today, it’s a great time to hit some of the inland spots.
- Riverbend Park: Walking the trails under the canopy of cypress trees provides some decent shelter from the wind. It’s beautiful in this crisp air.
- The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse: It’s iconic, but man, it gets breezy up there. If you go, wear a windbreaker. The view of the turquoise water clashing with the gray-blue front is actually pretty spectacular for photography.
- Local Coffee Shops: Honestly, today is a "sit inside with a latte" kind of day. Places like Perky Beans or Lokotive are probably going to be packed with people hiding from the draft.
One thing to keep in mind is the UV index. Even though it's cool and cloudy, the UV index is still around a 2 or 3. It's not "fry your skin" levels, but if you're out for hours, don't assume the cold protects you from the sun.
Looking Ahead: When Will it Warm Up?
The good news is that Florida cold snaps usually don't last forever. By Friday, the sun should be back in full force, though the high will stay in the upper 60s. We’ll start seeing a return to the 70s by Saturday and Sunday.
The humidity is also taking a vacation. The dew point has crashed, which is why the air feels so "thin" and sharp. It’s a great break from the usual Florida stickiness, even if you have to dig your Uggs out of the back of the closet.
Actionable Next Steps for Today:
- Check your tire pressure: Cold snaps like this cause the air in your tires to contract, often triggering that annoying "low pressure" light on your dashboard.
- Drip the faucets: While 40°F isn't quite a pipe-bursting freeze, if you live in an older home with exposed pipes, it doesn't hurt to be cautious during the overnight low.
- Layer up: Wear a base layer that wicks moisture. The wind is the real enemy today, so a solid outer shell is better than a thick wool sweater that lets the breeze right through.
- Secure the patio: Move lightweight furniture or umbrellas. Those 30 mph gusts will toss a patio chair into the pool faster than you can say "Jupiter Inlet."