Honestly, if you’re in Miami or Fort Lauderdale right now, you’ve probably already felt it. That weird, biting wind that definitely doesn't belong in the "Sunshine State." We just got hit by a massive cold front on Thursday, January 15, and the south florida weather forecast is looking like something out of a northern travel brochure.
It’s cold. Like, "coldest air in four years" cold.
Earlier this morning, we were sitting pretty in the low 70s. By 5 p.m., the thermometers started tanking into the 50s. If you haven't dug your puffer jacket out of the back of the closet yet, tonight is the night. We're looking at overnight lows hitting about 43°F in some spots, with wind chills dipping straight into the 30s.
What the heck is going on?
Basically, a powerhouse cold front just tore through the peninsula. While we had some light rain earlier today—with about a 95% chance of precipitation during the afternoon—the sky is clearing out fast. This is typical for a post-front scenario in Florida. The rain clears the way for the dry, Arctic-origin air to settle in.
Meteorologist Brandon Orr over at Local 10 noted that this is the chillest it’s been since 2022. It’s not just a "little breezy." A Cold Weather Advisory is actually in effect for Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
The timing is pretty wild. Usually, La Niña years (which 2026 currently is) mean warmer and drier winters for us. But even during a "warm" winter, we can get these sporadic, aggressive cold snaps. The Climate Prediction Center had been eyeing a transition from La Niña to "neutral" conditions for the early part of this year, and this front is a perfect example of how unpredictable that transition can be.
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The 10-Day Outlook: Is the "Real" Winter Here?
If you’re planning a beach day for the weekend, you might want to pivot. Friday, January 16, is going to be crisp. We’re talking a high of only 63°F and a low of 37°F. Yes, 37. That’s "bring your plants inside" territory.
- Saturday (Jan 17): Things start to moderate slightly with a high of 70°F, but it'll stay mostly cloudy.
- Sunday (Jan 18): A bit better at 75°F, though a secondary front might nudge the lows back down to 44°F by Monday.
- Next Week: We finally climb back into the 80s by Saturday, January 24.
The humidity is also taking a massive dive. It’s sitting around 53% right now, which is why it feels so "crisp" compared to our usual soup-like atmosphere. The wind is currently coming out of the northwest at 10 mph, which is just enough to make that 48°F feel like 43°F.
Why this matters for your weekend
Local governments aren't playing around. Cold weather shelters have already opened up in Fort Lauderdale at the Salvation Army and out in Belle Glade for those who need a warm place to stay.
One thing people always forget during a Florida freeze is fire safety. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue is already putting out warnings because, let's be real, most of us haven't turned on our heaters in a year. If your heater smells like it’s burning when you flip it on, that’s usually just dust. But if you're using a space heater, keep it at least three feet away from everything. Seriously.
The bigger picture: La Niña’s last gasp?
We've been hearing all season that this winter was supposed to be warm. NOAA and the National Weather Service have been tracking this weak La Niña, which usually keeps the jet stream further north. When that jet stream stays north, the cold air stays in Georgia and the Carolinas.
But this week, the jet stream dipped.
It’s a reminder that "average" temperatures for a season don't mean much when a single cold front can drop the temperature by 30 degrees in 12 hours. We are still technically in a drought, even with today’s rain. Aside from a stray shower this weekend, there isn't much "meaningful" rain in the south florida weather forecast for the next week.
How to handle the next 48 hours
Don't be that person who leaves their tropical plants out to die. If it’s under 45 degrees, your orchids and hibiscus are going to struggle.
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Also, check on your pets. If you're cold, they're probably cold too. This isn't the typical "Florida cold" where you just need a long-sleeved shirt; this is legitimate winter weather.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your space heaters: Ensure they have an automatic shut-off if they tip over.
- Drip your faucets: If you're in an older home with exposed pipes in the more inland areas like West Palm or the Redlands, a slow drip can prevent a headache.
- Layer up: The "feels like" temperature is going to be the real killer tonight and Friday morning, especially with that northwest wind.
- Monitor the UV: Even though it’s cold, the UV index will be back up to a 4 by Friday. You can still get a sunburn in 60-degree weather.
Stay warm out there. The 80s will be back soon enough, but for now, embrace the "winter" while it lasts.