Miami, Florida – A surge of Arctic air is pushing unusually far south, setting up a rare stretch of winter cold across Florida that could linger through the end of January and into early February. While Florida will avoid the brutal subzero temperatures seen farther north, overnight lows are expected to drop sharply, bringing freeze concerns to inland and northern parts of the state and chilly conditions even along the coast.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, the pattern from Jan. 27 through early February favors below normal temperatures across the Southeast. This same Arctic air mass is dominating much of the eastern U.S., stretching from the Midwest into the Deep South and reinforcing a prolonged cold setup across Florida.
In Florida, the biggest impacts will come from hard overnight freezes away from the immediate coastline. North and central Florida face the highest risk for freezing temperatures, threatening pipes, agriculture, and sensitive vegetation. Even South Florida, including Miami, will see unusually cool nights and below-normal daytime highs, with brisk conditions making it feel colder than typical late January standards.
While slight moderation is possible at times, a sustained warm-up is unlikely before Feb. 2. Residents are urged to protect exposed plumbing, cover plants, bring pets indoors, and monitor updates closely as additional cold weather advisories or freeze warnings may be issued while this rare Arctic pattern lingers over the state.
