Dangerous, Extreme Cold Hits South Florida

Record-breaking temperatures and wind chills expected to start February

Feb. 1, 2026 at 5:31am

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A powerful Arctic cold front has swept through South Florida, bringing record-breaking cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills. Temperatures in Miami and Fort Lauderdale have plummeted to 36°F, the coldest in over 15 years, with wind chills in the 20s. The cold is expected to persist through Monday, with the potential for more record lows in Fort Lauderdale and Key West.

Why it matters

This extreme cold front is highly unusual for South Florida, which typically enjoys mild winters. The cold temperatures and wind chills pose risks to public health and safety, especially for vulnerable populations. The record-breaking nature of this event also highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather patterns due to climate change.

The details

The Arctic cold front moved through South Florida on Saturday afternoon, bringing temperatures down to 36°F in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. This ties the record cold low set over 100 years ago in Miami. With the biting breeze, wind chills have dropped into the 20s across the region. Temperatures will struggle to reach the low 50s on Sunday, and overnight lows on Sunday and Monday mornings could break records in Fort Lauderdale and Key West.

  • The Arctic cold front moved through South Florida on Saturday afternoon.
  • Temperatures in Miami and Fort Lauderdale fell to 36°F on Sunday morning, the coldest in over 15 years.
  • Overnight Sunday into Monday morning, temperatures are expected to fall to record lows in Fort Lauderdale and Key West.
  • Highs on Monday will only reach the 50s before gradually warming up through the week.
  • Another cold front is expected to arrive next weekend, bringing lows back down to the 40s.

The players

South Florida

The region in Florida that includes Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and the Florida Keys, which is typically known for its mild winters.

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What’s next

Weather officials are urging residents to take precautions against the extreme cold, including dressing warmly, limiting time outdoors, and checking on vulnerable populations. The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the situation and issue updates as needed.

The takeaway

This record-breaking cold front is a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events due to climate change. South Florida's typically mild winters are being disrupted, posing risks to public health and safety that communities will need to adapt to in the years ahead.