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Florida will experience its lowest temperature in 15 years this weekend, with 0 degrees Celsius (32 Fahrenheit) in the city of Miami, after being one of the few areas in the country not directly affected by the winter storm that hit much of the United States.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a freeze warning for Glades County in the southwestern part of the state and warned that the cold front will cause sub-zero temperatures in several areas of South Florida, reported EFE.
According to forecasts, minimum temperatures of -2 °C (28 °F) are expected in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, and as low as -6 °C (21 °F) in West Palm Beach, values not reported in over a decade.
"Broad areas with temperatures near freezing or below the freezing point are possible in South Florida on Sunday and Monday," noted the NWS office in Miami, which also warned of possible rain from Wednesday to Friday as part of the same cold front.
Florida had been the exception amidst the winter storm that caused at least 34 deaths and left more than half a million homes without electricity in two-thirds of the United States in recent days, with record cold temperatures in dozens of cities.
However, the meteorological agency confirmed that the Arctic front will finally reach the "Sunshine State," where a week of frigid mornings and unusually cold days is expected.
"Florida has decided to join winter," joked the NWS office in Tampa, which anticipates a new drop in temperatures starting Friday night, extending the cold weather through to next week.
Meteorologists recommend that residents protect plants, animals, and pipes, and avoid prolonged exposure outdoors during the early morning hours.
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