South Florida faces a frozen weekend and expects – for the next few hours – temperatures close to 35°F (1.6°C), the lowest in the last two years.
An intense cold front has left temperatures below 50°F (10°C), with wind chills remaining between 40°F (4.4°C) and 45°F (7.2°C). due to the effect of the wind, explained the National Weather Service (NWS).
However, these are expected to continue falling throughout the day, with highs not exceeding 60°F (16°C) and mostly cloudy skies into the early afternoon.
The NWS even joked that even the iguanas should take out their coats by this Saturday, because temperatures in South Florida would drop to around 35°F (1.6°C) (inland and southwest) and around 40°F (4.4°C) (across the East Coast metro area) tonight.
For the early morning, minimum temperatures close to 40°F are expected, and Thermal sensations could drop to the high 30°F rangeespecially in interior areas and far from urban areas, warns the entity.
The channel Telemundo 51 reported that some alerts could be issued in these sectors due to extreme low temperatures, so authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
According to the NSW, the records for the lowest temperatures recorded in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach are 36°F, 34°F and 39°F, respectively, which occurred in 1940 and 1980.
The iguanas are Florida animals that may be affected by the coldas they can become sluggish or even fall from trees when temperatures drop below 50°F.
This is because iguanas are cold-blooded, and their body temperature decreases when the temperature around them decreases as well.
The NWS has explained that if residents see an iguana fall, remember that they are not dead, “they only become immobilized because they cannot resist low temperatures, they are cold-blooded animals that need sun to move.”
Cold Front FAQs in Florida
What are the coldest temperatures expected in South Florida this weekend?
Temperatures in South Florida could drop to around 35°F in the interior and southwest, and around 40°F in the East Coast metropolitan area. Wind chills are expected in the 30s due to the winds.
What impact will the cold front have on the daily lives of Florida residents?
Cold front could affect outdoor plans due to low temperatures and possible light drizzles. Residents are advised to dress appropriately and protect their pets and sensitive plants.
Is this expected to be the coldest day of the season in Florida?
Tonight is expected to be one of the coldest of the season due to the arrival of continental polar air, with lows of 30°F in southwest Florida and 40°F in other areas, except the Atlantic coast.
What historical cold records exist in South Florida?
The records for the lowest temperatures in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach are 36°F, 34°F and 39°F, respectively, recorded in 1940 and 1980. The last major cold snap was in January 2023.
