Rare 'Gulf Effect' Snow Possible in Florida This Weekend

Flurries could reach Jacksonville and Tampa as a cold front brings record-breaking temperatures.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:15pm

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A cold front is expected to bring scattered rain showers, strong winds, and potentially record-breaking cold temperatures to Florida this weekend. In a rare meteorological event, two areas of the state could also see brief snow flurries as the cold air moves over the relatively warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, creating the potential for "Gulf effect" snow.

Why it matters

Snow flurries are an extremely rare occurrence in Florida, with the last measurable snowfall in the state dating back to 1977. While any accumulation is highly unlikely, the prospect of seeing snow, even in trace amounts, has generated significant interest and excitement among Floridians.

The details

The cold front is forecast to arrive on Saturday, bringing rain showers and winds gusting up to 40 mph. Temperatures are expected to plummet on Sunday, with the coldest wind chills dropping into the single digits and teens. By Monday morning, actual air temperatures could fall into the low to mid-20s, potentially breaking records. The cold conditions are being driven by a strong low-pressure system developing northeast of the state.

  • The cold front is expected to arrive on Saturday, January 28, 2026.
  • The coldest wind chills are forecast for Sunday morning, January 29, 2026.
  • The lowest actual air temperatures are predicted to occur early on Monday, January 30, 2026.

The players

National Weather Service

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

FOX 35 Storm Team

The weather forecasting team for FOX 35 Orlando, the local FOX News affiliate.

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What’s next

Forecasters say more specific details on the potential for snow flurries will be available on Friday as updated weather models become available.

The takeaway

While any actual snowfall accumulation is highly unlikely, the prospect of seeing even a few flurries in Florida has generated significant interest and excitement among residents. This rare meteorological event highlights the power of cold fronts to produce unexpected weather phenomena, even in typically warm climates.