BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – South Florida residents and visitors can expect a dramatic weather shift as a cold front moves through the region this week, bringing cooler temperatures after days of heavy rainfall and unseasonable warmth.
On Wednesday morning, temperatures hovered in the low to mid-70s across Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Key West, with Pembroke Pines reporting a balmy 77 degrees, according to Local 10 meteorologist Julie Durda.
An east-southeast breeze has kept the warmth in place, but forecasters say a cold front will usher in a significant drop in temperatures starting Thursday evening.
Rainfall has been widespread, with heavy downpours reported in northern Broward County.
Durda said areas along I-95, A1A, and US1 from Deerfield Beach to Parkland saw strong storms early Wednesday. Additional showers moved through Oakland Park, Plantation, Hollywood, Aventura, and Sunny Isles. While some areas recorded over an inch of rain, others received only a trace.
Despite the inconvenience of wet roads and brief flooding, the rain is helping ease South Florida’s rainfall deficit.
“Any rainfall is beneficial,” Durda said, but warned of the potential for localized flooding as rain continues.
As the cold front advances, rain chances will remain high into Thursday.
By Friday, temperatures are expected to tumble, with daytime highs dropping to the 60s and nighttime lows falling into the 50s — well below seasonal averages. Weekend temperatures could feel even chillier, particularly for South Floridians accustomed to milder winter weather.
Beachgoers and boaters should also take caution. A high risk of rip currents is in effect, and while bay waters will remain choppy, conditions are expected to improve as the breeze subsides later this week.
The forecast marks a welcome change for many, bringing the promise of cool, dry air by the weekend.
“This front has some real cold air behind it,” Durda said, noting that temperatures across the East Coast will plunge into the teens, 20s, and 30s as the system progresses.
For the hour-by-hour forecast and a live radar, visit this page.