Honestly, if you stepped outside in Florida this morning expecting the usual "Sunshine State" warmth, you probably got a very rude awakening. It's Friday, January 16, 2026, and the weather in Florida right now is making people question why they moved here in the first place.
We aren't just talking about a "light sweater" kind of day. This is a legitimate, bone-chilling arctic blast that has gripped the entire peninsula from the Panhandle down to the Keys.
The Numbers That Are Hurting Everyone's Feelings
Right now, the state is shivering under a massive high-pressure system that has funneled arctic air directly into our backyards. As of 8:11 AM, the general temperature for Florida is sitting at a crisp 38°F.
👉 See also: Seville Spain Weather January: Why the "Coldest" Month is Actually the Best
But here’s the kicker: with a 5 mph northeast wind, the "feels like" temperature is actually 33°F. That is just one degree away from freezing for the entire state average.
The humidity is hanging out at 68%, which in the summer would feel like a swamp, but in these temperatures, it just makes the air feel heavy and damp against your skin. The sun is out—it’s technically sunny—but that giant yellow ball in the sky is doing absolutely nothing to keep us warm.
What’s Happening Across the Map?
It's rare to see the whole state this synced up in misery.
In North Florida, places like Jacksonville and Tallahassee are seeing lows in the low 20s. We are talking about potential pipe-bursting weather. In fact, there have been warnings for people to drip their faucets—something many Floridians haven't had to do in years.
Central Florida isn't doing much better. Orlando and the surrounding areas are looking at the coldest January 16th they've seen in roughly 44 years. Back in 1927, Orlando hit 25 degrees, and while we aren't quite shattering that record today, we are getting uncomfortably close for a town built on theme parks and shorts.
Even the "tropical" South Florida is feeling the bite. Miami and Fort Lauderdale are under cold weather advisories. Inland parts of Broward and Miami-Dade are seeing wind chills in the 30s. This is the kind of cold that sends the local iguanas into a literal coma, falling out of trees like scaly, frozen avocados.
Why Is This Happening?
Basically, it’s a perfect storm of meteorological events. A massive dip in the jet stream has essentially opened a refrigerator door from Canada and pointed it straight at the Gulf Coast.
We are stuck behind an arctic front that has settled in for the weekend. While it’s dry and there’s 0% chance of rain today, the air mass is so intense that even the sun can't penetrate the cold.
The Weekend Outlook: Is There Hope?
If you're looking for a quick thaw, you might want to manage your expectations.
Today’s high is only expected to reach 61°F, and that’s only if the wind dies down. Tonight, things take a slight turn as the conditions move toward partly cloudy with a low of 34°F. There’s even a tiny 10% chance of rain overnight, but mostly it’s just going to be another night for the heavy blankets and space heaters.
✨ Don't miss: Why Pictures of New Hampshire Never Quite Capture the Real Thing
Survival Tips for This Florida Freeze
Since we aren't used to this, people tend to make mistakes. Here is the move-forward plan for the next 24 hours:
- Drip the Taps: If you are north of Orlando, keep a slow drip on your faucets.
- Bring the Pets In: If it’s too cold for you in a hoodie, it’s too cold for them.
- Space Heater Safety: Honestly, be careful with these. Keep them at least three feet away from anything that can burn. No, your curtains are not a good neighbor for a heater.
- Cover the Plants: Your hibiscus and bougainvillea are going to hate today. Throw some old sheets over them before the sun goes down tonight.
The weather in Florida right now is a stark reminder that even the tropics can get a taste of the north once in a while. We should see things start to moderate and return to the mid-60s or low 70s by Sunday, but for today, just keep the coffee hot and the layers on.
Keep an eye on the local radar if you're in the Panhandle, as some models are still whispering about a wintry mix near the Georgia line later this weekend. For everyone else, stay dry, stay warm, and wait for the sun to actually do its job again.