Strong winds expected to bring South Florida’s coldest weather of 2021

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – February is coming in cold. South Florida is feeling the chill as brisk, west-northwest winds funnel cool, dry air over the region.

And it may only get colder, with feels-like temperatures possibly dropping into the 30s in some areas of the region on Wednesday morning. That could bring a wind-chill advisory from the National Weather Service.

Winds still will be brisk Tuesday.

“The combination of strong winds and a few clouds make forecasting low temperatures tricky, particularly for South Florida,” Chief Certified Meteorologist Betty Davis said.

Tuesday morning’s low temperatures may not be the coolest so far this winter season. However, the middle part of the week could deliver just that. Gentler, northwest winds and clear skies set the region up for two more nights of 40s or perhaps colder for some inland neighborhoods. The 30s may not be out of the question for some western suburbs.

The mercury is forecast to dip to 45 degrees Wednesday morning in Miami and 43 degrees Thursday morning.

So far this winter, the coldest temperature Miami has recorded is 47 degrees on Dec. 26. For perspective, the normal low temperature for Miami in early February is 61 degrees.

Just as low temperatures will be below average for much of the week, so will high temperatures.

Though there will be plenty of sunshine, highs are forecast to reach only the mid and upper 60s Tuesday and Wednesday—that’s about 10 degrees below normal.

By Friday, the chill erodes, and seasonable temperatures return to South Florida.

Cold Weather Emergency

Broward County has declared a Cold Weather Emergency from 6 p.m. Tuesday until 8 a.m. Wednesday. Homeless people are advised to report to the Salvation Army (1445 West Broward Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale) no later than 5:30 p.m. for transportation or access to cold-night shelters.

At 4:30 p.m. Tuesday the Salvation Army will open its doors for a community meal and then will officially serve as a shelter beginning at 5:30 p.m.


About the Authors:

Betty Davis is the chief certified meteorologist for Local 10. She provides weather forecasts for South Florida Monday-Friday during the 4, 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts. 

David Dwork joined the WPLG Local 10 News team in August 2019. Born and raised in Miami-Dade County, David has covered South Florida sports since 2007.