Florida Could See Rare Snow Flurries Near Sunrise Sunday as Bitter Arctic Air Locks in Freezing Temperatures and Pipe Risks

FLORIDA — Much of Florida is entering a rare and unusually cold weather pattern this weekend, with forecasters warning that snow flurries may develop near sunrise Sunday as Arctic air deepens across the peninsula. While widespread snow accumulation is not expected, temperatures will be cold enough to support snow if sufficient moisture lingers.

Meteorologists say most snow chances will hold off until just before daybreak Sunday, with flurries remaining possible overnight before sunrise. Once the sun comes up, temperatures will be cold enough statewide for snow, making lingering moisture the key uncertainty.

Cold Air Sets the Stage for Flurries

The dominant factor driving this forecast is bitter cold air pushing deep into Florida, creating conditions rarely seen this far south. Forecasters note that flurries are possible overnight, but the atmosphere becomes increasingly supportive of snow once sunrise approaches.

The primary question is how much moisture remains in place by early Sunday morning. If moisture holds on long enough, light snow or flurries could briefly develop before tapering off.

Gulf Coast Areas to Watch Closely

Forecast models highlight the west-central Florida Gulf Coast as the most likely area to see any wintry activity. Locations shown in the forecast include Tampa, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Bradenton, Sarasota, and Venice, with offshore bands potentially brushing coastal communities.

While inland areas such as Plant City, Lakeland, Bartow, Sebring, and Arcadia appear less favored, forecasters caution that brief flurries cannot be completely ruled out anywhere if conditions align just right.

Impacts Expected to Be Limited but Notable

Even if flurries occur, impacts are expected to be minimal, with no significant accumulation shown in the forecast. However, the cold itself poses a greater concern, particularly for homes, pets, and plumbing.

Residents are advised to drip outdoor faucets slightly, keep pool pumps running, and take precautions to prevent frozen pipes, especially in inland areas where temperatures may dip lower.

Cold Weather Precautions Urged

With temperatures well below normal for Florida, officials and meteorologists are reminding residents to bring pets indoors, protect sensitive plants, and check on vulnerable neighbors. The cold snap represents a sharp departure from typical Florida winter weather and could catch many residents off guard.

What Happens Next

Most snow chances fade after sunrise Sunday as moisture diminishes, though cold temperatures will persist. Any flurries that do occur would be brief and localized, making this more of a meteorological curiosity than a major winter event.

NapervilleLocal.com will continue monitoring this unusual cold outbreak and provide updates as conditions evolve across Florida and the Southeast.