South Florida Braces for Plunging Temperatures This Weekend

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A cold front is set to sweep through South Florida starting Sunday night, bringing significantly lower temperatures that are expected to last through Tuesday. Lows in the 40s and highs only reaching the 50s and 60s are forecast, with the potential for freezing temperatures inland. Homeowners are being advised to prepare their homes, cars, pools, and animals for the cold spell.

Why it matters

The sudden drop in temperatures is unusual for South Florida and could pose risks to vulnerable residents, wildlife, and infrastructure if proper precautions are not taken. Iguanas have already been found frozen from a previous cold snap, highlighting the need for residents to be prepared.

The details

The National Weather Service in Miami has issued a cold weather advisory for Sunday night into Monday. Temperatures in South Florida will drop significantly, with lows in the 40s that will feel much colder due to a strong northwest wind. Highs are expected to reach the high 50s in West Palm Beach, low 60s in Fort Lauderdale, and mid-60s in Miami-Dade on Monday. A freeze watch is in effect for inland Glades and Hendry counties from late Monday night through early Tuesday, when temperatures could dip into the 20s and 30s.

• The cold front is expected to arrive on Sunday night.
• Temperatures will be coldest on Tuesday morning.
• A brief warm-up is expected on Wednesday.

What’s next

Residents are advised to take steps to prepare their homes, cars, pools, and animals for the impending cold weather, including covering sensitive plants, insulating pipes, and bringing pets indoors.