PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – South Florida is closing out 2024 with unseasonably warm temperatures, high humidity, and even the potential for record-breaking highs.
A foggy start to the morning made for tricky driving conditions across the region, but as the haze lifted, the Sunshine State lived up to its name with clear skies and crowded beaches.
Local 10 News meteorologist Julie Durda highlighted the unusual weather, describing how dense fog had earlier blanketed much of the area.
9 a.m. report
“Visibility was down to less than a quarter of a mile in some inland spots, including southern Miami-Dade,” Durda said.
The thick fog caused disruptions during the morning commute, with reports of near-zero visibility in certain areas.
By mid-morning, the fog had cleared, revealing sunny skies and beachgoers eager to soak up the final rays of 2024.
“If you didn’t get to the beach after the fog lifted, you might struggle to find a spot,” Durda quipped, noting the packed shorelines in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Hollywood.
She said temperatures climbed quickly as the day progressed, with highs reaching 82 degrees in Fort Lauderdale and 78 in Miami.
Key West recorded similar balmy conditions, though humidity made it feel closer to 85 degrees in some areas. These unseasonably warm temperatures are being driven by westerly winds ahead of an approaching cold front.
“We’re not used to talking about record highs in late December, but we might just tie or break a few today,” Durda said. Miami and Fort Lauderdale are among the cities poised to flirt with temperature records, while Key West may remain just shy of historical highs.
Despite the heat, cooler weather is on the horizon. The cold front is expected to pass through the region overnight, bringing a noticeable dip in temperatures for the start of 2025. Evening lows will remain mild but cooler air is forecast to settle in by tomorrow morning.
“We’re ending 2024 on a warm note, but we’ll welcome 2025 with cooler, more comfortable weather,” Durda added.
Stay tuned for updates on your New Year’s Eve weather and local celebrations as the region gets ready to welcome 2025.
For the hour-by-hour forecast and a live radar, visit this page.