Florida Braces for Unseasonably Cold Weather

Tue Feb 03 2026 17:04:36 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Amidst winter storms affecting much of the U.S., Florida prepares for unexpected drops in temperature, potentially leading to snow and icy conditions as the Sunshine State readies for a chilly weekend.

As a powerful winter cyclone heads toward the East Coast, Florida is bracing for unusual cold temperatures, ranging from the 30s in South Florida to a slight possibility of snow in the northern regions. Residents, pets, and wildlife are being prepared for the cold snap as farmers take measures to protect crops. While tourists may be deterred from the beaches, many attractions remain open for business.

MIAMI (AP) — While Florida is not expected to be buried under heavy snow and ice, the state is preparing for chilly weather that can feel dreadful to its sandal-clad residents. Recent winter storms across the Midwest and South have caused significant disruptions, and a cyclone forming off the Atlantic is likely to push colder air into Florida over the weekend.

Forecasters indicate that South Florida could see temperatures drop to the 30s (F) and potentially into the 20s in the Lake Okeechobee area. Ana Torres-Vazquez from the National Weather Service emphasizes the importance of dressing in layers given the wind chill that could make temperatures feel even lower.

Unusual Cold for the Sunshine State

In the Tampa Bay area, National Weather Service forecaster Tony Hurt mentions a 10 to 20 percent chance that snow flurries could occur this weekend, although any snow is expected to be light and not lead to significant accumulation. The last notable snowfall events were flurries in 2010 and 1989, with a record of 2 inches of snow in January 1977.

Despite the cold, Tampa will still host the annual Gasparilla Pirate Fest on Saturday and the Tampa Bay Lightning will have an outdoor NHL game against the Boston Bruins.

Florida's theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, will continue operations, albeit with closures for water parks. Meanwhile, zoo officials are taking precautions for animals to ensure their safety during the cold snap.

Wildlife and Agriculture at Risk

Zoo Miami's Ron Magill outlines protection measures for the park's inhabitants, such as providing heaters for smaller mammals and blankets for primates, while big cats generally thrive in cooler weather. The cold snap may disrupt wildlife, notably invasive reptiles like iguanas that become lethargic in low temperatures.

Simultaneously, Florida's agricultural sector is on alert, with farmers taking measures to protect crops from frost, including using overhead irrigation and harvesting in advance of the freeze.

As the extreme cold front sweeps through the southeastern United States, residents are reminded of the importance of being prepared; thousands remain without power in other states, while Florida faces potential frost that could impact livelihoods.