FLORIDA — A historic Arctic cold outbreak is set to grip Florida beginning Sunday morning, with forecast data confirming a significant hard freeze lasting two consecutive nights across much of the state. Meteorologists warn this event could rank among the coldest Florida has seen in decades, with record-breaking air temperatures and wind chills plunging to levels rarely experienced in South Florida.
Record Cold Air Pushes Deep Into Florida
Forecast guidance shows exceptionally cold air penetrating the entire Florida Peninsula, including areas that rarely see freezing conditions. Cities such as Miami, West Palm Beach, and Orlando are expected to experience their coldest air temperatures since the historic January 2010 cold outbreak, a benchmark event still referenced by meteorologists today.
Morning low temperature projections indicate widespread 20s across North and Central Florida, with low to mid-30s reaching deep into South Florida. These values alone are unusual, but the real danger comes from the wind.
Dangerous Wind Chills Even in Miami
Strong northerly winds accompanying the Arctic air mass will drive wind chill values dramatically lower, making conditions feel far colder than the actual temperatures. Forecast maps show wind chills dropping into the 20s even in Miami, a rare and dangerous scenario for the region.
Across Central Florida, including Orlando and Sebring, wind chills are expected to fall into the teens, while North Florida and the Panhandle could experience single-digit wind chills, particularly during the early morning hours…