Wicked Winter Blast Heading Our Way
MIAMI (CS4) - A powerful Arctic front moved across South Florida on Sunday, behind it some of the coldest air of the season.
CBS 4 Chief Meteorologist David Bernard says we're in for the coldest snap since last year's record breaking winter. A Freeze Watch is in effect into Tuesday morning for northern and western Broward as well as the agricultural areas of Miami-Dade. A wind chill advisory is in effect for everyone from Monday night into Tuesday morning.
CBS4 meteorologist Lissette Gonzalez said you may need a sweater and jacket Monday as highs will struggle to reach the 70 degree mark by afternoon. Most locations will be cool and breezy with highs in the mid to upper 60s; average high this time of year is about 78 degrees.
Overnight lows will drop into the 30s to near 40 at the coast. When combined with the North winds the 'feels like' temperatures will be in the upper 20s and lower 30s. Bernard said these temperatures are dangerous in South Florida for those not accustomed to the cold. Be sure to wear a heavy jacket and sweater along with gloves later tonight and Tuesday morning. People need adequate shelter and Miami-Dade and Broward should have emergency centers open. All pets need to be brought inside and tender tropical plants should be protected.
Gonzalez said it's possible we make break a 169 year-old record in Ft. Lauderdale with a forecast low of 39 degrees; the old record of 42 degrees set back in 1841.
Tomorrow afternoon expect highs in the low 60s. Expect another frigid start on Wednesday morning with 30s inland and 40s near the coast. Then cool sunshine and highs in the upper 60s in the afternoon.
By week's end an area of High Pressure will have moved to our North and East so temperatures will rebound a bit, but it will still be chilly at night and in the morning and afternoon highs will be in the low to mid 70s.
Stay tuned to CBS4.com and CBS4 News for the latest on the cold emergency. You can also track your neighborhood temperatures with our exclusive Weatherbug Network.
CBS4 meteorologist Lissette Gonzalez contributed to this report
