Miami, Florida – An unusually strong surge of arctic air delivered record-breaking cold to South Florida early Sunday, setting new daily low temperature records in both Miami and West Palm Beach and producing rare cold conditions along major travel corridors including Interstate 95 and U.S. Highway 1.
According to the National Weather Service in Miami, Miami recorded a low of 35 degrees, breaking the previous daily record of 36 degrees set in 1909. The temperature marked the coldest reading in Miami since January 2010, an exceptional event for the region where freezing temperatures are rare.
Farther north, West Palm Beach dropped to 30 degrees, shattering the old record low of 36 degrees that had stood since 1909. The National Weather Service reported that this was the coldest temperature observed in West Palm Beach since December 1989, underscoring the historic nature of the cold air mass.
Forecasters noted that the coldest temperatures occurred during the pre-dawn hours Sunday under clear skies and light winds, conditions favorable for strong radiational cooling. Wind chills dipped into the upper 20s and lower 30s in some locations, increasing the risk of cold exposure during early morning travel.
The rare cold posed risks to people, pets, plants, and pipes, particularly in areas unaccustomed to prolonged low temperatures. Officials urged residents to take protective actions, including bringing pets indoors, covering sensitive vegetation, and checking exposed plumbing.
Roadways such as I-95, US-1, and surrounding surface streets experienced unusually cold conditions for South Florida, which can affect vehicle performance and increase the risk of stalled cars during early morning hours.
Temperatures are expected to gradually moderate later Sunday as sunshine returns, though forecasters caution that another cool night remains possible before a more typical warming trend resumes.
The National Weather Service continues to compile additional climate data, including wind chill and record analyses, as the event is fully documented across South Florida.
