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South Florida, brace for an arctic blast
Forecasters predict records may be broken Thursday morning
By Ken Kaye and Lisa J. Huriash
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
February 4, 2009
With
arctic air cascading over the state today, South Florida might see
record-breaking cold by Thursday morning, the National Weather Service
said.
The forecast calls for the mercury to plunge into the 30s tonight. Add breezes and the wind chill should be 25 to 30 degrees.
"Even
areas along the beach actually will have low temperatures below 40
degrees," said weather service meteorologist Robert Molleda.
The
previous record low readings: 31 degrees in Fort Lauderdale and 35 in
Miami, both set in 1958, and 33 degrees in West Palm Beach, set in 1996.
Because freezing temperatures are likely in far west areas, farms and nurseries braced to protect fruits, vegetables and plants.
"The
most important thing is to water everything well before things get too
cold during the day," said John Pipoly of the University of Florida- Broward County Extension Education.
Many farms in Palm Beach County are wary after severe cold on Jan. 22 damaged crops.
"Those crops are in danger," said Arthur Kirstein, coordinator for Palm Beach County Agricultural Economic Development.
Homeless
shelters, which opened Tuesday night, planned to open again tonight.
Forecasters recommended residents bring in pets and fragile plants.
Fire officials urged caution with space heaters and candles.
The frigid dry air resulted in a fire-weather watch for all of South Florida.
Today's
forecast calls for sunny skies and high temperatures in the mid 60s. As
the arctic air settles in, the mercury was predicted to drop.
Thursday also will be chilly with afternoon highs in the upper 50s and evening temperatures in the low to mid 40s. Conditions should gradually warm on Friday.
Ken Kaye can be reached at kkaye@sunsentinel.com or 954-385-7911.