If you stepped outside in Miami this past Sunday, you probably felt like it was July. The city literally tied a record high of 84°F, a number we haven't seen on that specific date since back in 2000. But if you’re looking at what is happening in Miami today, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the vibe has shifted hard.
The humidity is hanging heavy. We’ve got a stalled cold front sitting right over South Florida, and honestly, it's making things a bit soggy.
You’ve likely noticed the scattered showers if you’re commuting through the 305 this morning. The National Weather Service in Miami is calling for a 40% to 50% chance of rain throughout the day. It’s not a total washout, but it’s definitely "keep the umbrella in the backseat" weather. Highs are struggling to hit the upper 70s, which feels like a polar plunge compared to the weekend’s heatwave.
The College Football Buzz is Getting Real
Even with the gray skies, the energy in the city is spiking because of the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship. We are less than a week away from the big game at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19. If you drive past Miami Gardens, you can see the prep work in full swing.
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But it’s not just about the stadium.
The "Playoff Playlist Live!" is starting to take over Lummus Park in South Beach. Even today, you’ll see crews hauling equipment onto the sand. People are already gossiping about the lineup—Calvin Harris and Peso Pluma are the massive names everyone is tracking for the weekend. The city is basically bracing for a massive influx of fans from whichever teams survive the semifinals. Expect traffic on the MacArthur Causeway to get progressively worse every hour from now until next Tuesday.
What is Happening in Miami Today for Culture Seekers
If you’re dodging the raindrops and want something indoors, today is actually a pretty big day for the film community. The Miami Jewish Film Festival is technically kicking off its world premiere events today, January 13. This isn't some small indie gathering; it’s actually the largest Jewish film festival in the country.
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They’ve got over 100 films lined up across the city over the next two weeks.
- Paradox Museum: Over in Wynwood, this place is packed today. Since it’s a rainy Tuesday, indoor "Instagrammable" spots like this and Superblue are seeing a surge in bookings.
- YoungArts Week: We are also right in the middle of National YoungArts Week. If you’re near the New World Center or the Edgewater area, you might catch some of the country’s most talented young musicians and performers doing their thing.
A Strange Weather Bridge
Forecasters are calling this a "soggy start," but it’s really just the appetizer.
There is a much stronger "Arctic front" (well, Arctic by Florida standards) scheduled to barrel through by Thursday night. While today is just damp and 78 degrees, by Friday morning, inland areas could see wind chills in the 30s.
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That’s the thing about Miami in January. You can go from a bikini on South Beach to a North Face jacket in the span of 72 hours.
Real-Time Logistics and Traffic
If you are moving around the city right now, keep an eye on the Atlantic. There’s a high risk of rip currents today. The seas are a bit angry because of the shifting winds, so if you were planning a boat day or a quick dip at Haulover, you might want to reconsider. The NWS issued a small craft exercise caution for a reason.
On the roads, it's the usual suspects. I-95 is a parking lot near the Golden Glades, and the rain isn't helping the typical morning fender benders.
Actionable Tips for Today
If you are in town and trying to make the most of this specific Tuesday:
- Book Indoor Exhibits Now: If you want to see the "Mirror Mountain" at Superblue or get into the Paradox Museum, do it online before 2 PM. Everyone else has the same idea because of the rain.
- Watch the Rip Currents: Seriously, stay out of the water on the Atlantic side today. The "High Risk" flags are flying for a reason.
- Prep for the Cold: If you’re a local or a long-term visitor, use today to find your sweaters. The drop on Friday is going to be the coldest air we’ve felt all season.
- Avoid South Beach Construction: Lummus Park is a maze of fences and stages right now for the CFP festivities. If you want a quiet beach walk, head south to Key Biscayne instead.
The city is in a weird holding pattern between a record-breaking heatwave and a looming freeze, but with the National Championship hype building, the "Magic City" is anything but quiet.