Florida Braces for Rainy, Windy Weather as Cold Front Moves In

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A dreary weather pattern is set to dominate South Florida for the next several days, with rain showers, gusty winds, and cooler temperatures expected. Residents are advised to keep umbrellas handy as scattered showers move in overnight and continue into Wednesday.

Clouds will linger Tuesday night, with temperatures dropping into the 50s and winds picking up. A northerly breeze of up to 20 mph is forecast, prompting a wind advisory starting Tuesday night. Rain showers are expected to become more scattered by Wednesday morning, with high temperatures remaining in the mid-to-upper 60s.

The low-pressure system responsible for the wet conditions will keep rain chances elevated through Thursday. Scattered showers are likely to persist into Thursday morning, with drier conditions and partial clearing expected by evening. Highs will range from the upper 60s to lower 70s.

By Friday, a drier trend will begin to take hold, though a few morning showers cannot be ruled out. Skies will turn partly cloudy by the afternoon, setting the stage for a pleasant weekend. Saturday and Sunday will bring partly cloudy skies and warmer temperatures, with highs climbing into the upper 70s to lower 80s.

Meanwhile, Sarasota and Manatee counties will experience colder temperatures, though snow and harsh winter weather are not expected. A wet cold front will move through the area Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, followed by a drier cold front later in the week. Saturday is forecast to be the coldest day, with minimum temperatures dropping to 34 degrees in Sarasota County and 33 degrees in Manatee County. Wind chills could make it feel as cold as 27-28 degrees.

In response to the cold snap, Sarasota County has opened a warming shelter at 14525 Tamiami Trail in North Port. The shelter will be accessible starting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, and residents are encouraged to bring their own sleeping items. Public transportation via Breeze Route 9 will provide access to the shelter.

Local officials are also urging residents to take precautions for vulnerable populations, including those with dementia. Recommendations include dressing in warm, layered clothing, maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature, and preventing slips on slick surfaces. Caregivers are advised to monitor for signs of agitation or restlessness, particularly during “sundowning” periods in the late afternoon and evening.

This week’s weather contrasts sharply with Florida’s typically mild January climate, which averages around 62 degrees. However, the state has experienced rare winter weather events in the past, including a historic Christmas snowstorm in 1989 that brought snow as far south as Sarasota.