Florida Temps Swing from Record Highs to Frigid Lows

Dramatic temperature swings expected across the state as cold front moves in this weekend

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Florida is bracing for a wild ride in temperatures this week, with record-breaking highs expected to be followed by a sharp drop into the 30s and 40s as a cold front moves through the state. Drought conditions have also prompted water shortage advisories and burn bans across nearly the entire state.

Why it matters

The dramatic temperature swings and drought conditions pose challenges for Floridians, impacting everything from agriculture to public safety. The rapid shifts highlight the increasing volatility of the state's weather patterns, which could become more common due to climate change.

The details

Temperatures are expected to climb well above normal this week, with some areas potentially reaching the low 90s by Friday and Saturday. However, a cold front moving in this weekend will bring a sharp cooldown, with lows dropping into the 30s and 40s across much of the state by Monday. The cold snap could even bring a light freeze to some areas. Despite the potential for heavy rainfall from the front, forecasters don't expect it to significantly alleviate the state's ongoing drought, which has prompted water shortage advisories and burn bans in nearly all of Florida's counties.

  • Temperatures will climb to well above-normal levels through Saturday (Feb. 20), with many locations exceeding 80 degrees for highs Thursday through Saturday.
  • A cold front is forecast to pass Central Florida during the day on Sunday Feb. 22, bringing a significant cool-down early next week.
  • Lows are expected to drop back down into the 30s by Monday morning (Feb. 23).
  • A widespread light freeze appears likely Tuesday (Feb. 24) morning, in addition to the potential for wind chills nearing cold weather advisory criteria.

The players

National Weather Service

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

Gov. Ron DeSantis

The governor of Florida who issued a state of emergency due to the worsening drought conditions and increased wildfire threat.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Temperatures will climb to well above-normal levels through Saturday (Feb. 20), with many locations exceeding 80 degrees for highs Thursday through Saturday.”

— National Weather Service (tallahassee.com)

“A significant cool-down is expected early next week. It will be "noticeably cooler Monday (Feb. 23) with morning lows in the 40s and afternoon highs in the low to mid 60s.”

— National Weather Service, Melbourne (tallahassee.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The dramatic temperature swings and persistent drought conditions in Florida highlight the increasing volatility of the state's weather patterns, which could become more common due to climate change. This underscores the need for communities to prepare for and adapt to these extreme weather events.