Record-Breaking Arctic Blast Grips Miami: Sunday Highs Struggle to Reach 50s

A Shivering Start to February

Miami residents are waking up to a historic weather event this Sunday, February 1, 2026, as a potent arctic air mass has entrenched itself across South Florida. The National Weather Service has issued a series of urgent alerts, including an Extreme Cold Watch and a Freeze Watch, which remain in effect through 10:00 AM this morning. This rare weather pattern has brought temperatures that are a staggering 20 to 30 degrees below the seasonal average.

Morning: Biting Winds and Record Lows

The morning hours are seeing the most intense portion of this cold snap. Temperatures in the Miami metro area have plummeted into the mid-30s, with a forecast low of 36°F that threatens to tie a record set back in 1909. Combined with a Wind Advisory active through the early morning, north-northwesterly winds are creating a 'RealFeel' temperature in the 20s for those out before dawn. Local authorities, including the Homeless Trust, have activated emergency protocols to provide shelter for the community’s most vulnerable residents.

Afternoon: Sunny Skies with Little Respite

While the sun is expected to be out for much of the day, it will offer very little warmth. The afternoon high is projected to reach only 51°F to 52°F, a sharp contrast to the typical 76°F usually enjoyed this time of year. Conditions will remain breezy, with sustained winds of 16 mph and gusts reaching up to 37 mph. These winds will keep the afternoon chill biting, making outdoor activities feel significantly colder than the thermometer suggests. Rainfall is not expected, as the air mass remains extremely dry, precluding any chance of the rare flurries seen in other parts of the state.

Evening: Another Deep Freeze Ahead

As evening falls, the lack of cloud cover will allow what little heat the city gained to escape rapidly. Clear skies will lead to another plummet in temperature, with overnight lows again dipping toward the mid-30s. Residents are urged to take the following precautions:

• Protect Pets and Plants: Bring sensitive pets indoors and cover tropical plants that are not frost-hardy.
• Safe Heating: Use space heaters with extreme caution and never use charcoal grills or ovens to heat your home.
• Check on Neighbors: Ensure elderly neighbors and those living alone have adequate heating and supplies.

Even at Zoo Miami, zookeepers have moved smaller mammals and reptiles into heated indoor facilities, signaling the severity of this cold event. This prolonged chill is expected to linger into Monday morning before a gradual warming trend begins later in the week.