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Southeast Florida will once again experience a significant shift in weather conditions with the arrival of a new cold front that will cross the region Sunday night.
According to a report from Telemundo 51, the change will start to be felt between Sunday afternoon and the beginning of next week, ushering in a winter episode that, although brief, will be intense.
Before the arrival of the frontal system, the environment will continue to have typically warm and humid characteristics. Maximum temperatures will remain in the mid to high 80s °F, with only a slight chance of isolated showers.
However, the outlook will change dramatically after the front passes.
Behind the system, a strong area of high pressure will settle in, driving considerably drier air over the southern part of the state. This pattern will facilitate a significant drop in temperatures, accompanied by northwesterly winds with gusts that could reach 25 to 30 miles per hour.
The highs on Monday and Tuesday will remain in the mid to upper 60s °F, a notable drop from previous values. However, the greatest impact will be felt during the early mornings.
By Tuesday, temperatures could drop to 30 °F in inland areas and settle at 40 °F in coastal regions.
With the persistent wind, the wind chill could be felt even lower, reaching around 30 °F at various points in the region.
Although cold weather is expected to persist until the middle of the week, meteorologists anticipate a slight moderation by Wednesday, which would bring an end to this short-lived but notably intense winter episode for South Florida.
Recent historic cold
This new front arrives after a particularly unusual start to the month for the region.
For several days, the south of Florida faced temperatures close to 30 °F, with active warnings for extreme cold and frost issued by the National Weather Service (NWS).
The alert for very low temperatures has been extended to coastal areas of Palm Beach and the metropolitan area of Miami-Dade and Broward. Frost advisories have been issued for inland Broward and the rest of Palm Beach, prompting authorities to recommend precautions to the public.
The current winter has set historical records.
A minimum of 35 °F was recorded in Miami, a temperature not seen in 117 years. Other cities like Orlando and Tallahassee also broke records. Snowflakes were even reported in some areas, an extremely rare phenomenon in Florida.
On the last day of January, an unusually strong Arctic front froze large areas of the state, creating uncommon scenes for the so-called Sunshine State: frost-covered dawns, streets almost empty due to the cold and thermometers recording historic lows.
Snowflakes were reported in Tampa Bay for the first time in 16 years.
Recommendations for Thermal Decrease
Authorities have reiterated that temperatures below 32 °F pose significant risks to health, infrastructure, and agriculture.
Among the recommendations, the use of thermal clothing stands out, avoid prolonged exposure to the outdoors, protect pipes and plants, keep pets indoors, and secure objects in yards and balconies against wind gusts.
It is also advisable to pay special attention to vulnerable individuals. Those without heating or in need of assistance can call 211 for guidance on available community services.
With this new cold front, southern Florida is once again preparing for days that contrast with its usual climate, in a winter that has already made a mark in the state's historical records.
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