Florida to feel the chill
- January 15, 2026
- 0 Comments
- By Story/Photos By Bryan - SurfGuru
A strong, fast-moving cold snap will arrive across Florida beginning tomorrow (late Thursday Jan 15 into Friday Jan 16), bringing the coldest air of the season with widespread freeze and freeze warnings across much of the state. Much of Florida can expect overnight lows near or below freezing and gusty north winds.
Rapid temperature falls with many inland areas likely to reach near or below freezing; beach side spots may be marginally warmer thanks to the heat from the ocean but still much colder than normal.
Keep an eye out for little critters in distress. I always scoop up any cold shocked liazards I find and move them somewhere safer because otherwise they become an all-u-can-crunch buffet for my dogs. Anoles are my American Dingo's favorite snack.
Overnight Projected AM Lows by city:
Tallahassee – 25°
Pensacola – 32°
Jacksonville – 31°
Ocala - 27°
Orlando – 33°
Melbourne – 35°
Fort Myers - 37°
West Palm Beach - 43°
Miami - 44°
While this will be the coldest January 16th for Florida in 44 years, we will still be a little above record cold in many spots.
| |
Forecast Low |
Record Low |
| Daytona |
31° |
28° |
| Orlando |
33° |
25° |
| Sanford |
31° |
28° |
| Leesburg |
29° |
25° |
Freeze damage to sensitive plants and tropical landscaping is likely where temperatures dip below freezing; homeowners should cover or move vulnerable plants indoors.
Travel and marine concerns: Gusty north winds and sharp temperature gradients may create hazardous conditions for small craft and make road surfaces slick in shaded or elevated spots overnight.
Preparedness checklist
• Protect pipes: Insulate exposed plumbing and let faucets drip overnight if you are in northern areas where the cold will be the most extreme and have vulnerable piping.
• Pets and livestock: Bring animals indoors or provide sheltered, dry bedding.
• Plants: Move potted plants inside; cover in-ground tropicals with frost cloth.
• Heating safety: Use space heaters safely and check smoke/CO detectors.
• Know local shelters: If heating is unreliable, identify county cold-weather shelters.