Coldest air of the season headed to Southwest Florida for New Year’s

You might have better luck with a New Year’s kiss this holiday, as many will be huddling together for warmth amid the coldest air of the season, which is set to arrive this week. 

A strong cold front will sweep south across the “Sunshine State” late Monday into Tuesday, bringing a rapid cooldown in its wake.

High temperatures on Tuesday are expected to struggle to reach the upper 60s, which is well below average for this time of year. Highs typically climb into the mid-to-upper 70s.

The coldest weather is expected to arrive overnight Tuesday into Wednesday morning, just in time for New Year's Eve. The Weather Authority is forecasting lows in the low 40s for Southwest Florida, with inland communities dropping even colder, into the mid-to-upper 30s.

Temperatures across the state are expected to fall 40 to 50 degrees in less than 48 hours. A freeze is likely across northern Florida, while patchy frost could extend into parts of Southwest Florida on the mornings of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

In response to the incoming cold, St. Matthew’s House is opening emergency shelters.

Breezy north to northwest winds will add to the chill on Tuesday, helping to keep temperatures cooler. Winds may gust up to 20 miles per hour at times, especially along the coast.

Beyond the cold, the front will also bring hazardous beach conditions. A high risk of rip currents is expected along Gulf beaches from after sunset tonight through early Wednesday morning. 

Looking ahead, high pressure builds in from Thursday into the weekend, allowing temperatures to warm back up through the end of the week gradually.