FLORIDA — Valentine’s Day is shaping up to feel more like late April than mid-February across the Sunshine State, with widespread warm temperatures pushing toward — and in several cities reaching — the 80-degree mark Saturday afternoon.
Forecast highs show much of the peninsula turning distinctly spring-like, with multiple metro areas enjoying sunshine and temperatures well above seasonal averages.
Central and South Florida Lead the Warmup
Saturday afternoon temperatures are expected to peak at:
- 82° in Fort Myers
- 80° in Orlando
- 80° in Tampa
- 80° in Gainesville
- 79° in Palm Beach
- 78° in Miami
- 76° in Key West
The warmest readings are concentrated across southwest and central Florida, where inland areas are likely to see the strongest heating. Fort Myers stands out as the hottest spot on the map at 82 degrees.
North Florida Stays Mild but Slightly Cooler
Northern Florida remains warm but a few degrees lower compared to central and southern counties:
- 74° in Tallahassee
- 75° in Jacksonville
Even these northern cities are still comfortably in the mid-70s — impressive warmth for mid-February.
A Classic “Florida-Style” Valentine’s Day
The temperature gradient across the state shows a clear north-to-south warming trend, with oranges and deeper hues dominating the peninsula. This signals widespread warm air locked in across most of Florida for the afternoon hours.
With no signs of cold air intrusions in this setup, the state appears poised for a classic outdoor-friendly Valentine’s Day — ideal for beach plans, waterfront dining, or evening sunset strolls.
A Sharp Contrast to Much of the Country
While Florida enjoys near-80-degree readings, much of the northern United States remains locked in winter patterns during this time of year. This kind of warmth in February underscores Florida’s reputation for mid-winter breaks from colder national trends…