South Florida is bracing for its coldest air mass since 2010, with temperatures expected to plunge into the low 30s—and even the upper 20s in some areas—beginning Saturday night and lasting into early next week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Forecasters say temperatures could feel even colder, with wind chills dropping into the 20s across much of the region and into the teens around Lake Okeechobee by Sunday morning.
In response, the NWS has issued an Extreme Cold Watch for Palm Beach, Okeechobee, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties, effective from Saturday night into Sunday morning. A Freeze Watch is also in effect for Palm Beach County, the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee County over the same period.
The Treasure Coast and Okeechobee County are expected to see overnight lows in the upper 20s, with feels-like temperatures potentially dropping into the teens. Officials warn the prolonged cold poses a serious risk of frostbite and hypothermia, particularly for those exposed for extended periods, and could cause major damage to unprotected vegetation.
Palm Beach County activates emergency operations
Palm Beach County officials have moved quickly to prepare for the cold snap. The Division of Emergency Management (DEM) has activated the county’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to a Level III – Enhanced Monitoring status due to the anticipated conditions.
The county plans to activate its Cold Weather Shelter Program beginning Saturday, January 31, at 7 p.m., with shelters remaining open through 9 a.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, depending on weather conditions.
The following cold weather emergency shelters will be open:
Salvation Army Center of Hope
1577 N. Military Trail #1
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
Belle Glade Transitional Shelter and Lake Village at the Glades
341 NW 11th Street
Belle Glade, FL 33430
Broward County extends cold weather sheltering
In Broward County, officials announced an extension of cold weather emergency sheltering through Monday night, February 2, 2026, as extremely low temperatures are expected to persist into early next week.
Shelter placement for individuals and families experiencing homelessness will be available nightly. Homeless individuals are advised to report to The Salvation Army beginning at 5:30 p.m. each evening. Dinner will be available at 4:30 p.m.
The Salvation Army
1445 W. Broward Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Shelter beds will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and space is limited. Officials urge residents to notify unhoused individuals in their communities about the available services.
Authorities cautioned that shelter operations could be extended or canceled depending on updated weather forecasts, as the cold system continues to be monitored closely.
Residents across South Florida are urged to take precautions, including protecting pets, plants and exposed pipes, and checking on elderly neighbors and vulnerable individuals as the region prepares for an unusually intense cold outbreak.
