Rare Cold Blast Hits Miami, Freeze Watch Issued

Wind chills expected to drop into the 20s across Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 1:07pm

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A cold front moving into South Florida is set to bring a blast of unusually cold air and winds that will intensify through the weekend, with the cold peak expected on Sunday morning. A freeze watch has been issued for interior areas of Broward and Miami-Dade counties, where temperatures could drop to around 32 degrees.

Why it matters

Freezing temperatures and wind chills in the 20s are highly unusual for the Miami area, which typically has a subtropical climate. This cold blast could pose risks to vulnerable populations, agriculture, and infrastructure not built to withstand such low temperatures.

The details

The cold front will bring strong winds and plummeting temperatures across South Florida. Wind chills are expected to drop into the 20s in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, while the Florida Keys will see 'feels like' temps in the 30s and 40s. A freeze watch has been issued for interior areas west of the Sawgrass Expressway, U.S. 27, and Krome Avenue, where temperatures could reach the freezing mark.

  • The cold front will move in through Motzei Shabbos (Saturday night) and into Sunday.
  • The cold will peak on Sunday morning.

The players

Broward County

A county in South Florida that is part of the Miami metropolitan area.

Miami-Dade County

The most populous county in Florida, located in the southern part of the state and home to the city of Miami.

Florida Keys

A string of tropical islands off the southern tip of Florida, known for their warm, subtropical climate.

Sawgrass Expressway

A major highway in Broward County, Florida.

U.S. 27

A U.S. Highway that runs through Florida, including parts of Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

Krome Avenue

A major north-south road in Miami-Dade County, Florida.

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What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the cold blast and any potential impacts.

The takeaway

This rare cold snap in Miami highlights the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns due to climate change, and the need for communities to be prepared for extreme conditions outside the norm.