Orlando, Florida — Florida’s reputation as the Sunshine State took a sharp hit this weekend as Arctic air surged deep into the peninsula, delivering record-breaking cold, rare snow flurries, and power disruptions across multiple regions.
The same winter pattern gripping much of the eastern United States pushed south into Florida, setting at least 15 record-low temperatures statewide and producing conditions not seen since the historic cold snaps of 2010.
Record Cold Spreads Across the State
The cold lingered into Monday, with Melbourne dropping to 25 degrees, breaking the record for the coldest February day — a record that had been set just one day earlier.
Several other cities also saw historic lows:
- Orlando: 25 degrees, the coldest since 2010
- Tampa: 28 degrees, its coldest reading in more than a decade
- Miami and Fort Lauderdale: Both fell to 35 degrees
- Daytona Beach: Reached 23 degrees, setting a new February record
In Jacksonville, temperatures dipped below freezing for the seventh consecutive morning, tying cold streaks that date back to 1901. Forecasters say that streak could be broken if freezing temperatures continue.
Rare Snow and Unusual Sights
The extreme cold even brought rare snow flurries to the Tampa Bay area early Sunday, a phenomenon that has occurred only a handful of times in recorded history…