You probably think of Florida as the land of eternal sunshine and flip-flops. Honestly, most people do. But if you’re standing on a street corner in Tallahassee or even Orlando right now, you’ve likely realized that "The Sunshine State" has a cold, shivering secret.
Florida temperature today is a far cry from the tropical paradise depicted on postcards.
We’re currently looking at a serious Arctic blast. It’s the kind of weather that makes locals dig through the back of their closets for that one heavy coat they bought five years ago and never thought they’d need again. Basically, a massive cold front has swept down from Canada, and it's not playing around.
Why It's So Cold Right Now
A strong cold front pushed through North Florida and the Panhandle early Thursday, January 15, and by 2 p.m., it had cleared the I-4 corridor in Central Florida. Behind this front, the skies have cleared, which sounds nice until you realize that clear skies at night in winter are basically a recipe for a deep freeze.
Without cloud cover to trap the day's heat, all that warmth just radiates away into space.
As of early Friday, January 16, 2026, the current temperature in Florida is a brisk 41°F. But here’s the kicker: with a 6 mph wind coming from the northwest, the "feels like" temperature is actually sitting at 36°F.
That’s cold. For Florida, that’s "call-your-grandmother-and-check-the-pipes" cold.
The Numbers You Need to Know
If you’re planning your day, don’t let the morning sun fool you. While it will be sunny for the daytime hours, the high temperature is only expected to reach 60°F.
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- Current Temp: 41°F
- Feels Like: 36°F
- Forecast High: 60°F
- Tonight's Low: 37°F
- Wind: Northeast at 5 mph
- UV Index: 4 (Moderate)
It’s a weird day. You’ll need a heavy jacket in the morning, maybe a light sweater by 2 p.m., and then you’ll be right back to shivering once the sun dips. The night-time condition is expected to turn mostly cloudy, but the low will still hit 37°F.
The "Big Freeze" Context
This isn't just a "chilly" day. For many parts of the state, this is the coldest weather they’ve seen in years. In Central Florida, meteorologists are noting that this is the most significant cold snap since Christmas 2022.
Up in the Panhandle and North Florida, temperatures have dropped as low as 22°F in inland areas. That’s low enough to burst pipes and kill off sensitive landscaping. If you have citrus trees or tropical plants in your yard, I really hope you covered them last night.
Interestingly, there was even a tiny, "long shot" chance of snow flurries near the Georgia border. While it mostly stayed as a dry cold, the mere mention of snow in Florida tells you everything you need to know about how deep this Arctic air mass is.
What to Do About It
If you’re traveling or living here, the Florida temperature today requires a bit of strategy.
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First, the humidity is low—around 41% to 46%. This makes the air feel "crisp" but also very drying. Drink more water than you think you need.
Second, if you’re driving, be careful in the early morning hours. While there’s 0% chance of rain today, any moisture on the roads from earlier in the week could have hit the freezing mark in the northern counties.
Looking Ahead
The good news? This is Florida. It doesn't stay this cold forever. A quick warming trend is expected to start as we move into the weekend, with temperatures climbing back into the upper 50s and mid-60s. However, don't get too comfortable. Another front is lurking for the start of next week.
Actionable Steps for Today:
- Protect the "Four Ps": People, pets, plants, and pipes. If you're in the northern half of the state, ensure your outdoor pipes are insulated.
- Layer Up: Wear a base layer that wicks moisture, a middle insulating layer, and a wind-resistant outer shell.
- Check Heaters: If you’re using a space heater for the first time this year, keep it at least three feet away from curtains or furniture.
- Sun Protection: Even though it’s cold, a UV index of 4 means you can still get a sunburn if you’re out in the midday sun for a long time.
The Florida temperature today is a reminder that the tropics have a North American neighbor that likes to visit occasionally. Stay warm out there.