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FLORIDA - South Florida is expected to see a steady warming trend after an unusually cool start to the New Year brought some of the lowest temperatures the region has experienced this winter.
A strong cold front moved through South Florida around New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, pushing temperatures well below seasonal averages.
Overnight lows dropped into the 40s across many inland and suburban areas, while coastal communities saw temperatures fall into the low 50s.
Daytime highs struggled to climb out of the low to mid 60s, creating conditions more typical of northern states than South Florida.
The cooler weather was driven by gusty northerly winds and dry air behind the cold front, which also kept rain chances minimal.
In some interior locations, conditions were cold enough overnight to raise concerns about frost, prompting residents to protect sensitive plants and limit prolonged exposure to the chilly morning air.
Forecasters say the cold spell is temporary. High pressure settling over the region is allowing winds to gradually shift, helping temperatures climb back toward normal levels.
By the end of the workweek, morning lows are expected to rise into the upper 50s and low 60s, with afternoon highs reaching the low to mid 70s.
As the weekend approaches, temperatures are forecast to continue warming, with some areas potentially nearing 80 degrees during the afternoon.
Dry conditions are expected to persist, and no significant rain systems are forecast in the immediate outlook.
Meteorologists note that temperature swings like this are common during winter months in South Florida, where cold fronts can briefly bring cooler air before warmer, more typical conditions return.
