Winter’s Icy Grip: Historic Arctic Blast Slams Miami with Near-Freezing Temperatures

A Record-Breaking Chill Descends on the Magic City

Miami residents are waking up to a stark reminder that winter has finally arrived in South Florida. Today, Saturday, January 31, 2026, marks the arrival of a significant and potentially historic cold front that is set to send temperatures plummeting and trigger a series of local weather alerts. While the morning may start with a deceptive calm, the National Weather Service warns that an Arctic surge will redefine the weekend, challenging records that have stood for decades.

Morning: A Damp and Breezy Start

The early hours of Saturday will see temperatures hovering around a relatively mild 59°F with high humidity near 72%. However, do not let the initial warmth fool you. Light rain and scattered showers are highly likely throughout the morning, particularly before 2:00 PM. Cloud cover will remain thick as the leading edge of the cold front moves through the region. Commuters and early shoppers should keep their umbrellas handy and prepare for increasing wind speeds as the atmosphere begins its dramatic shift.

Afternoon: Wind Advisories and Cooling Skies

By the afternoon, the weather will take a sharp turn. A Wind Advisory officially goes into effect at 2:00 PM EST, with gusty conditions expected to persist throughout the day. While the daytime high is predicted to reach approximately 63°F, the wind chill will make it feel significantly cooler. As the rain clears out after 2:00 PM, the skies will begin to break, but this clearing will only accelerate the drop in temperature as the sun sets. The agriculture and tourism industries are already on high alert, with many outdoor venues beginning to transition operations indoors.

Evening and Night: The Arctic Plunge

The real story begins late tonight. A Cold Weather Advisory has been issued starting at 10:00 PM EST and will remain in effect through Sunday morning. Forecasters expect the mercury to drop to a bone-chilling 36°F to 38°F in the Miami area. These temperatures are near-record lows for this date, potentially tying marks set as far back as 1909. With the wind continuing to howl, wind chill values in the 20s are possible, making this one of the most dangerous cold events in recent South Florida history.

Safety Notices and Community Alerts

In response to the extreme conditions, several emergency measures have been implemented across the county:

• Cold Weather Shelters: Miami-Dade and Broward counties have opened emergency shelters for those in need of warmth.
• Zoo Miami Precautions: Many animals have been moved to heated indoor enclosures; visitors should expect several exhibits to be closed for animal safety.
• Agriculture Protection: Local farmers are urged to take immediate steps to protect citrus and vegetable crops from potential frost.
• Home Safety: Residents are reminded to check on elderly neighbors, bring pets inside, and use space heaters with extreme caution.