Florida Braces for Rare Extreme Cold as Temperatures Plummet

Forecasters warn of single-digit wind chills and risk of frostbite in parts of the Sunshine State.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:55pm

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Portions of Florida are under an extreme cold watch as forecasters warn of dangerously low temperatures and wind chills that could feel as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit. This rare cold blast is expected to pose risks of hypothermia, threaten crops and pipes, and potentially set or challenge decades-old records in several cities.

Why it matters

The unusually frigid conditions for Florida underscore the rarity and potential severity of this cold snap, which could extend as far south as the Palm Beach area. Forecasters caution the prolonged hard freeze may become an agricultural concern for the state.

The details

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the extreme cold watch covers portions of the Panhandle, northern and central Florida, and as far south as Martin and Palm Beach Counties. In these areas, "dangerously cold wind chills" could feel as low as 7 degrees, posing frostbite risks in as little as 30 minutes for unprotected skin. The NWS says low temperatures in the teens and 20s, coupled with gusty winds, could also lead to a brief period of snow flurries or snow showers over inland Georgia and the Florida coasts.

  • The extreme cold is expected to peak on Saturday night into Sunday and Sunday night into Monday.
  • Forecasters say the cold will persist into early next week before a gradual, limited recovery as additional Canadian air masses press south.

The players

National Weather Service (NWS)

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather-related watches, warnings, and advisories.

Richard Bann

An NWS meteorologist who spoke to Newsweek about the rare cold blast reaching far down the Florida peninsula.

Jeff Berardelli

The chief meteorologist at WFLA-TV, who issued a warning about the "first ever" extreme cold watch for Central Florida and the Tampa Bay area.

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What they’re saying

“Coldest air of the winter so far expected Sat Night & Sun Extreme Cold Watch issued: low temps in the teens & 20s, wind chills as low as 5-10F! Brief period of snow flurries/snow showers possible over inland GA & the coasts Sat Night - no accumulations expected”

— NWS Jacksonville

“*First Ever* EXTREME COLD WATCH issued for Central Florida and the Tampa Bay Area, east of I-75. Wind chills as low as 8° & a Hard Freeze for lows as low as 20° Sat Night/ Sun AM.”

— Jeff Berardelli, WFLA-TV Chief Meteorologist

What’s next

The NWS signaled additional warnings and advisories were likely ahead of the coldest period, with the Jacksonville office emphasizing preparation for dangerous wind chills.

The takeaway

This rare and prolonged cold blast for Florida underscores the state's vulnerability to extreme weather events, even in the typically mild Sunshine State. The potential agricultural impacts and risks to public safety highlight the need for Floridians to heed weather warnings and take appropriate precautions during this unusually frigid period.