Get those extra layers ready – Miami may be experiencing a cold front this weekend, but it’s going to have to prepare for significant arctic air that could bring some of the coldest temperatures in the new year!
The National Weather Service forecast shows that multiple cold fronts are expected to hit Florida during the first two weeks of January. This push of cold air will be coming into the eastern U.S., with the first arriving on the weekend of Jan. 3-4 and in the middle of the week, Jan. 8. Another cold blast is then expected to reach Florida around Jan. 11-12, potentially challenging record lows.
“While it is too early to hone in on exact sensible weather impacts, it is possible that some of the coldest temperatures to date could be experienced if this were to fully materialize and follow current model trends,” NWS Miami stated in Thursday’s area forecast discussion. “As this event approaches, expect increasing granularity in the forecast discussion as greater confidence emerges.”
How cold will it get in Florida?
Temperatures in some parts of Florida, such as the panhandle and northern region of the state, are set to be around freezing, followed by temperatures dropping into the 20s. Central Florida, on the other hand, will be above freezing with temperatures in the upper 30s and low 40s.
While it’s difficult for arctic air to reach all the way down to South Florida, the area is bracing for chilly temperatures in the upper 40s and low 50s.
The last time Miami saw a significant drop to the 40s was over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend in January 2023. Just remember that when temperatures hit the 40s, iguanas tend to become immobilized and lose their grip on tree branches. Thus, falling iguana warnings could be possible!
If you’re looking for warmer weather amid the upcoming arctic front, the Florida Keys will see temperatures in the low to mid 60s.