The arrival of the initial cold front this autumn is expected to bring a significant drop in temperatures across South Florida starting this weekend.
As reported by the National Weather Service (NWS), the cold front will move through the eastern United States and is forecasted to reach the Miami-Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area between Sunday and Monday, causing nighttime temperatures to fall to around 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius).
The most noticeable change will occur early Tuesday morning, with temperatures potentially dipping as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), which would be the lowest reading of the season so far.
George Rizzuto, a meteorologist with NWS, informed the news outlet that "the coldest temperatures will occur between 3 and 5 a.m. on Tuesday."
Meanwhile, Lissette González, a weather anchor for CBS News Miami, noted that "many residents are excited about the change," though she reminded that the cool spell will be short-lived.
Forecasts indicate that the chill will be fleeting. By Tuesday night and into Wednesday, temperatures are expected to rebound to around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius), with the week ending in the mid-70s (approximately 26 degrees Celsius).
The NWS described the cold front as being linked to a low-pressure system extending from the northeastern U.S. down to South Florida, leading to a temporary cooling across much of the state.
Elsewhere in Florida, the impact will be more pronounced. In Tallahassee, temperatures could drop to as low as 34 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius), while Gainesville might see lows of 36 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius).
In Orlando and Tampa, temperatures are predicted to range from 41 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (5 to 10 degrees Celsius) at the start of next week.
Before this transition, warm conditions will persist, with daytime highs between 81 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit (27 to 29 degrees Celsius) and nighttime lows near 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius), with no significant rain expected.
Though this front won't bring extreme cold, it signals the onset of winter in South Florida, where residents eagerly anticipate the first cool days after a prolonged tropical summer.
This initial cold front follows an exceptionally intense summer in Florida.
In July, the state experienced several sweltering weeks during the boreal summer, with temperatures reaching record highs in various regions across Florida.
Understanding Florida's Cold Front Phenomena
What is causing the cold front in South Florida?
The cold front is associated with a low-pressure system extending from the northeastern United States down to South Florida, resulting in a temporary drop in temperatures.
How long will the cooler temperatures last in Miami?
The cooler weather is expected to be brief, with temperatures rebounding by Tuesday night into Wednesday, returning to more typical warm conditions by the end of the week.
How do these temperatures compare to normal for this time of year?
This brief cold spell will bring temperatures below typical levels for early autumn in South Florida, marking a significant departure from the usually warm and humid conditions.