If you stepped outside in Miami this morning, you probably did a double-take. Honestly, it feels like the universe flipped a switch. We went from record-tying 84-degree heat just a few days ago to reaching for sweaters that have been gathering dust in the back of the closet. News Miami Florida today is dominated by a massive weather shift, but that's just the tip of the iceberg in a city that’s currently bracing for a weekend of high-stakes football and political drama.
The humidity is gone. Finally.
But it’s bringing a bit of a bite with it. Meteorologists at the National Weather Service are calling for a "real chill" to settle in tonight. We're talking about lows potentially hitting the mid-40s by Friday morning. For South Florida, that’s basically an ice age.
The Weather Rollercoaster and Your Friday Morning
It’s kinda wild how fast things change here. On Sunday, January 11, we were sweating in 84-degree weather, tying a record set back in 2000. Now? A second cold front is pushing through today, January 15, and it’s bringing rain before the big temperature drop.
According to Shane Hinton over at CBS News Miami, the rain is the "usher" for the cold air. You've probably seen the gray skies already. The NWS has placed a Cold Weather Advisory for most of the metro area, while spots further north like Glades and Hendry are under a Freeze Warning.
Expect this:
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- Rain chances are sitting at a solid 70% for the rest of today.
- Gusty winds up to 20 mph will make that 45-degree low feel more like the 30s.
- The weekend looks better, with Saturday bouncing back to a pleasant 75.
If you're heading out to the water, be careful. Small craft should probably stay docked because those winds aren't joking around.
The $4,000 Ticket: Hurricanes vs. Indiana
Miami is basically the center of the sporting world right now. The University of Miami is set to face Indiana in the College Football Playoff National Championship this Monday night at Hard Rock Stadium.
The ticket prices? Absolute insanity.
People are paying four figures just to get into the nosebleeds. If you want a luxury box, I hope you have a spare million dollars—seriously, that's what some of the top-tier suites are going for. The buzz is everywhere. Even President Trump is expected to be in the stands for the game, which means security at Hard Rock is going to be tighter than ever.
Parking is its own nightmare. Some lots near the stadium are charging $700 just to leave your car for a few hours. If you’re a local, you might want to avoid the Northwest 199th Street area entirely starting Sunday.
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Politics, Recalls, and the "Sin Tax" Debate
While everyone is focused on the game, there's some serious movement at County Hall. A recall effort against Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava just hit a major milestone. The petition has been "approved for form," meaning the people behind it now have 120 days to gather about 65,000 signatures (4% of registered voters) to force a recall vote.
It's a huge uphill battle, but it shows the tension in the city right now.
Then there’s the gubernatorial race drama. Candidate James Fishback is making headlines today by proposing a 50% "sin tax" on OnlyFans creators. Given that Miami is practically the global headquarters for content creators, this has sparked a massive backlash. Local stars like Sophie Rain are already pushing back, arguing that the platform is a legitimate business that supports thousands of South Florida families.
Real Estate and the Brightline Shift
In the business world, things are actually looking a bit more stable than last year. Florida Realtors’ Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor noted that easing mortgage rates (now hovering around 6.2%) have "unlocked" some of the pent-up demand in the Miami market.
It’s not a fire sale, but sales numbers are finally rising consistently for the first time since 2022.
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Speaking of moving around, Brightline has a new boss. Nicolas Petrovic, who used to run Eurostar (the train that goes under the English Channel), is taking over as CEO of Brightline Holdings. The company is currently sitting on some heavy debt—over $2 billion—and they’re hoping Petrovic’s European expertise can help them actually turn a profit.
They’re specifically looking to convert more drivers into riders on the South Florida-to-Orlando route. If you've ever spent three hours stuck on the Florida Turnpike, you know why they think they have a shot.
What You Should Actually Do Today
If you are living in or visiting Miami right now, here is the "no-nonsense" plan for the next 24 hours:
- Ditch the umbrella, grab the coat: The rain will clear out by tonight, but the wind chill is the real threat. If you’re going to a late dinner in Wynwood or South Beach, you will regret not having a jacket.
- Check your flights: Yesterday’s heavy fog caused a ground stop at MIA. While today’s issue is rain and wind, the ripple effects are still causing delays. Check your app before heading to the airport.
- Plan your commute: With MLK weekend starting and the National Championship fans arriving, the I-95 and Turnpike traffic is going to be brutal. If you don't have to be on the road Friday afternoon, don't.
- Watch the water: If you’re a boater, the National Weather Service is warning of hazardous marine conditions through Friday morning.
The "winter" in Miami never lasts long, but when it hits, the city feels entirely different. Enjoy the 40-degree weather while it lasts—by Monday, we'll probably all be complaining about the humidity again.
Next Steps for You: Check the latest National Weather Service "feels-like" map before you head out tonight, especially if you're planning to be near the coast where the wind is strongest. If you're attending the UM game, download your parking pass to your phone wallet now—cell service near Hard Rock Stadium is notorious for dropping when 65,000 people try to use it at once.