South Florida is a sub-tropical climate known for its sunny days, warm beaches and, of course, lots of rain during all 12 months of the year. Temperatures average in the mid 80s almost all year including the months of December and January. However, this does pose the question: How cold can South Florida get?
In February 1899 Florida had a famous cold wave known as “The Great Artic Outbreak,” in which a large cold front from Canada swept into all parts of Florida from North to South.
During this time the coldest temperature ever recorded in Florida was marked as negative two degrees Fahrenheit. More recently in 1989, Fort Meyers was recorded to be 27 degrees Fahrenheit along with other areas of South Florida.
In the year 2020, the lowest temperature recorded in Miami was 40 degrees. However, no temperature below 40 degrees has been recorded since 2010 and no temperature below 30 degrees has been recorded in Miami in the last 30 years.
South Florida has continued the trend alongside the majority of the country with average temperatures recently increasing due to global warming and other environmental aspects.
According to the National Weather Service and Forecast office, “Boosted by a top-eight warmest February on record, the winter of 2020- 2021 averaged warmer than normal at all four main climate sites (Miami, West Palm Beach, and Naples) in South Florida for the tenth consecutive winter.”
The office also stated, “the highest temperature recorded was 87 degrees on Feb. 15, and the lowest temperature recorded was 45 degrees on Feb. 4. The temperature reached or exceeded 80 degrees for 41 days, above the average of 34 days. The number of days below 50 degrees was six, which is well below the 30-year average of 11.”
Though South Florida continues to get warmer, the cooler days are continuing to decrease according to recent data. It is unlikely for South Floridians to see temperatures below 40 degrees in their lifetime, though never impossible. Though this data is more specific to South Florida, mid and central Floridians are more likely to see diversity in cooler temperatures as they have in the past.
As the new year has come, Florida has already surprised its residents with an unlikely sight. According to the Tampa Bay Times, “A deputy from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office posted a video to Twitter that showed the flurries falling at a Lowe’s in Fort Walton Beach. The National Weather Service’s Mobile Office confirmed that light flurries had fallen in northwest Florida.”
