Cold Front to Bring Rare Chilly Start to 2026 in South Florida

South Florida will ring in the New Year with an unusual taste of winter as a cold front moves through the region just ahead of New Year’s Eve, sending temperatures plunging into the 40s.

After a warm and near-record Monday with highs in the mid-80s, conditions will change rapidly. Sunshine and west winds are pushing temperatures close to record highs, with Miami and Fort Lauderdale potentially nearing the 85-degree mark. But that warmth won’t last.

The cold front is expected to sweep through early Tuesday, bringing noticeably cooler air. By New Year’s Eve morning and again on New Year’s Day, temperatures could dip into the upper 40s, possibly the coldest readings South Florida has seen since January.

Daytime highs will also feel cooler, with Tuesday topping out in the low 70s and overnight lows dropping sharply. New Year’s Day is forecast to be sunny, dry, and cool, with highs around the low 70s and crisp mornings in the upper 40s.

Meteorologists say the chill will linger for several days before a gradual warm-up begins heading into the weekend. Residents are reminded to take precautions during colder mornings — including watching out for cold-stunned iguanas that may fall from trees.