Florida Faces Unusual New Year’s Eve Cold as Temperatures Drop Into the 20s Across North Florida
FLORIDA — An unusually cold New Year’s Eve morning is taking hold across Florida, with temperatures plunging well below what most residents are accustomed to, especially across the northern half of the state. Forecast data shows widespread morning lows in the 20s and upper 30s, marking one of the colder starts to the New Year in recent memory for many parts of Florida.
How Cold It Will Get Across Florida
According to the latest forecast, North Florida will experience the coldest conditions, with morning temperatures falling into the mid- to upper-20s, particularly across inland areas. Parts of the Florida Panhandle are also expected to wake up near or just below freezing.
Across Central Florida, including interior locations, lows are forecast in the upper 30s to low 40s, while coastal areas remain slightly milder. South Florida will avoid the coldest air, but even there, temperatures will dip into the low to mid-40s, which is still well below seasonal averages.
The Florida Keys are expected to remain the warmest, with overnight lows holding near the upper 50s, though that is still cool by local standards.
Why This Cold Snap Is Hitting Florida
This cold outbreak is being driven by a strong surge of Arctic air pushing deep into the southeastern United States. The same weather system has already brought extreme temperature drops, snow, and severe weather across the Midwest and Great Lakes, and Florida is now feeling the trailing edge of that powerful cold front.
Cold, dry air filtering in behind the front has allowed temperatures to fall rapidly overnight, especially in areas away from the coast where there is less moderating influence from the ocean.
What Residents Should Expect Through the Day
Despite the chilly start, forecasters say temperatures will gradually rebound during the afternoon as sunshine increases. Highs are expected to climb back into the 50s and 60s across much of Florida, with South Florida reaching the upper 60s.
Residents using heaters for the first time this season may notice a brief burning smell, which is considered normal as dust burns off heating elements. Officials advise ensuring space heaters are used safely and never left unattended.
How Long the Cold Will Last
The coldest temperatures are expected early New Year’s Eve morning, with conditions improving later in the day. However, cooler-than-average weather may linger into the start of the New Year before a gradual warming trend returns.
While this cold snap is short-lived, it serves as a reminder that Florida can still experience winter-like conditions, even if only briefly.
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