Florida – Rough surf pounds South Florida beaches before sunrise, driven by strong onshore winds and a lingering winter pattern that refuses to loosen its grip. While skies stay mostly quiet, hazards are already stacking up along the coast, with colder air waiting in the wings later this week.
According to the National Weather Service in Miami, a High Rip Current Risk remains in effect today for coastal Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Dangerous rip currents are expected through the evening hours and can pull even experienced swimmers away from shore. Officials urge residents and visitors to stay out of the water and heed local beach warnings.
Conditions near Miami International Airport remain breezy early, with temperatures in the 50s and gusty north winds adding a chill uncommon for late January. Beachgoers along Collins Avenue, Key Biscayne, and Hollywood Beach should expect rough surf and strong longshore currents throughout the day. Lifeguards recommend swimming only near staffed beaches, if at all.
The broader weather pattern grows more unusual as the week continues. A strong Arctic front is forecast to push deeper into the Southeast by Thursday, opening the door for one of the coldest air masses South Florida has seen in years. Overnight lows could drop into the 30s and low 40s inland by the weekend, with even colder wind chills possible.
This cold surge follows the same system fueling back-to-back winter storms farther north across the Mid-Atlantic and New England. While snow stays well north of Florida, the impacts here center on cold-sensitive plants, outdoor pets, and marine hazards.
Residents should use caution at area beaches today and begin preparing for colder nights later this week. Additional weather statements may be issued as confidence grows in the late-week cold outbreak.
Five Day Forecast for Miami, FL
• Today: Breezy with clouds. High near 67. Dangerous rip currents.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny, breezy. High near 68.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny. Cooler. High near 69.
• Friday: Slight chance of showers. High near 70.
• Saturday: Windy and cooler. Morning lows near 39 inland.
