Snow fell in Florida this morning. Palm fronds wore a sugar dusting. The Sunshine State blinked, then reached for a scarf. I confirmed flurries across parts of North Florida and the Panhandle as a deep freeze gripped the Southeast. Roads were mostly wet, but slick spots formed on bridges and overpasses. Temperatures hovered near freezing, and felt colder in the wind. The flakes were brief, but they were real. ❄️
What just happened
Cold air locked in overnight. A narrow band of moisture brushed into that air from the Gulf. That was enough to flip light rain to flakes. This is not a blizzard. It is a rare Florida snow event with flurries and light dustings. Most lawns did not turn white, but cars and patio tables told the story.
Winter weather alerts covered parts of the South, including sections of Florida. Crews treated key bridges. First responders urged slow travel at daybreak. Power demand jumped as heaters clicked on. Schools and offices opened, but with caution in some counties.
I am tracking patchy ice on bridges, shaded roads, and elevated ramps through mid morning. Slow down, leave space, and watch for black ice.
Why Florida saw snow today
The pattern
Arctic air spilled south over the weekend. The jet stream dipped, like a river bending around a rock. That bend opened a door from the pole to the Gulf states. Daytime sun could not erase the chill. By dawn, the air near the ground was cold enough to support flakes.
The trigger
A weak wave in the upper atmosphere slid east. It squeezed out light precipitation as it passed. Gulf air added just enough moisture. Where the column stayed cold from cloud to ground, snowflakes reached the surface. Where it warmed even a little, the flakes melted into cold drizzle.
Snow in Florida needs a very specific setup. You need moisture, lift, and genuine cold at the surface. All three lined up for a few hours, then moved on.
Back to back winters with flakes, what it means
Two winters in a row with Florida snow sounds shocking. It is rare, but it fits within the swings of our climate system. One cold snap does not mean the planet is cooling. Winters are still warming overall, especially at night. Yet bursts of intense cold can still punch south.
There is ongoing study into how a warming Arctic may affect the jet stream. A warmer pole can mean a wavier jet, which can lead to deeper dips. That can send cold air farther south for short spells. The science is active, and not all experts agree on the details. What is clear, weather can deliver sharp extremes on a warming planet.
A warming world does not cancel winter. It changes the odds. Expect fewer long cold spells, but expect sharper, shorter ones when they do arrive.
What residents should do now
This freeze will be short, but it can still bite. The risk is highest at sunrise and just after sunset. Side streets, decks, and bridges cool fast. Citrus, winter vegetables, and young landscaping need protection. Pets and people do too.
- Bring pets inside, and cover tender plants or move pots indoors.
- Let faucets drip in the coldest spots, and open under sink cabinets.
- Drive slowly over bridges and shaded curves, especially early.
- Check on older neighbors and anyone without steady heat.
Pipes, pets, plants, and people. Protect all four, and you protect your home and community.
Energy and sustainability under stress
Cold mornings spike energy use. Electric heat pumps work harder in air this cold. Natural gas demand jumps as well. That strain can lead to brief voltage dips or higher bills. Simple steps matter. Close curtains before sunset to trap heat. Seal drafts around doors. Lower the thermostat one or two degrees if you can do so safely. These small moves, done by many homes, can stabilize the grid during peak hours.
Outdoor irrigation should pause during a freeze. Water on sidewalks can freeze and create hazards. For growers, row covers and wind machines help hold a few extra degrees. Long term, weatherizing homes and upgrading to efficient heat pumps pays off. It cuts bills in heatwaves and in rare freezes like this one.
The short term outlook
Sun will return. Temperatures will climb above freezing by late morning for most areas. That will end any lingering slick spots. Another frosty night is possible in the usual cold pockets. Then a steadier warmup arrives midweek as the jet stream lifts north. Beaches will lose the chill, and lawns will sip dew again.
Conclusion
Florida woke to flakes, not a foot of snow, and that is the point. It takes a special mix to make it snow here. Today, the mix was just right for a few hours. The freeze is brief, but it is still impactful. Respect the cold, protect what you can, and watch the roads. Weather still has surprises, even in a warming world.
