Coldest air to hit South Florida in nearly 4 years arrives; slightly warmer weather returning this weekend

Cold Weather Advisory for South Florida expires later Friday morning A Cold Weather Advisory has been issued for inland Broward and Miami-Dade until 9 a.m. Friday as the coldest air to hit South Florida in nearly four years has arrived.

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. — A Cold Weather Advisory has been issued for inland Broward and Miami-Dade until 9 a.m. Friday as the coldest air to hit South Florida in nearly four years has arrived.

Morning lows to start your Friday are in the 40s, but wind chill temperatures are dropping into the 30s in some areas.

Expect plenty of sunshine and dry, cool conditions all day -- highs only reach the mid-60s.

Slightly warmer weather returns this weekend.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue has shared cold weather safety guidelines and resources to help residents stay warm and protected as temperatures drop.

MDFR spokesperson Erika Benitez warned that improper use of space heaters and other heating devices during cold weather increases the risk of house fires, fire-related injuries and carbon monoxide exposure.

Below is a list of safety tips provided by MDFR:

Protect People:

  • Stay indoors as much as possible to stay warm and healthy.
  • Check on vulnerable individuals—young children, older adults and those with chronic illnesses.
  • When going outside, dress in layers of loose-fitting clothing. This allows you to adjust your layers as the temperature changes. Don’t forget to wear a hat that covers your ears, as you lose up to 40 percent of body heat through your head.

Protect Plants:

  • Bring potted plants indoors to a well-lit area away from drafts.
  • Keep outdoor plants and trees well-watered.

Protect Pets:

  • Bring pets out of the cold weather and provide them with warm shelter.
  • Pets left outside should have an enclosed shelter with the entrance facing away from the wind.

Protect against fires in the home:

  • Use central heating whenever feasible.
  • Purchase electric space heaters that are tested by a qualified laboratory and are Underwriters Laboratories (UL)-approved.
  • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Choose a heater with a thermostat and overheat protection. Look for models that include safety features, such as an automatic shut-off when tipped over.
  • Keep the heater clean and dust-free, and place it on a flat, solid surface. Don’t use space heaters in wet areas and regularly inspect cords for damage.
  • Plug the heater directly into a wall outlet, avoiding the use of extension cords. If an extension cord is necessary, ensure it’s the proper size and length, and never run it under rugs or carpets.
  • Keep anything that can burn, like curtains, furniture, or bedding, at least three feet away from your portable heater.
  • Create a three-foot kid-and pet-free zone around portable electric space heaters.
  • Keep heaters clear of foot traffic and never block exits. Never use charcoal or other fuel-burning devices indoors, such as grills that produce carbon monoxide.
  • Never use your oven to heat your home.
  • Remember always to turn off and unplug your heater when you leave the room or go to bed.
  • Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace the batteries regularly.

Click here for the latest forecast from Local 10’s Weather Authority.

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Julie Durda

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