BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — Boca Raton residents are facing one of the coldest and windiest nights of the winter as the National Weather Service has issued three active weather alerts covering coastal, metro, and inland Palm Beach County.
An Extreme Cold Warning and Freeze Warning are both in effect from 10 p.m. Saturday through 10 a.m. Sunday, while a Wind Advisory remains in place until 7 a.m. Sunday.
Forecasters say a strong surge of cold air moving into South Florida will bring sub-freezing temperatures, dangerously low wind chills, and powerful northwest winds, creating conditions that are rare for the Boca Raton area.
What to expect overnight in Boca Raton
Temperatures across Boca Raton and surrounding communities are expected to fall into the upper 20s to lower 30s, with wind chills dropping even further due to sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph and gusts as high as 45 mph.
Wind chills could dip into the upper teens to lower 20s, levels that can be dangerous with prolonged exposure, especially for those without adequate heating or shelter.
The strongest winds are expected overnight into early Sunday morning, gradually easing after sunrise.
Impacts across Palm Beach County
The National Weather Service warns that the combination of cold and wind may lead to:
- Downed tree limbs and isolated power outages
- Damage to sensitive plants and crops
- Hazardous driving conditions for high-profile vehicles
- Increased risk for pets, outdoor animals, and vulnerable residents
Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, including patio furniture, trash bins, and decorations, which could be blown around by strong gusts.
Pets, plants at risk
Officials stress the importance of bringing pets indoors whenever possible and ensuring outdoor animals have warm, dry shelter with unfrozen water.
The cold snap may also affect South Florida wildlife. When temperatures approach freezing, non-native reptiles such as iguanas can become immobilized by the cold and may fall from trees or other elevated surfaces.
Safety reminders for residents
Emergency officials recommend dressing in layers, including hats, gloves, and face coverings, if venturing outside overnight or early Sunday.
Those using portable heaters should ensure they are operated properly. Generators and grills should never be used indoors, as they pose a serious carbon monoxide risk.
Residents without adequate heat or shelter are encouraged to call 211 to access local assistance and resources.
When conditions improve
Cold and windy conditions are expected to persist through early Sunday morning, with temperatures gradually recovering later in the day as winds subside. However, officials advise continuing to monitor forecasts for updates in case warnings are extended.
Need Shelter From the Cold?
Beginning tonight, Saturday, Jan. 31, through Monday, Feb. 2, Palm Beach County will open cold weather shelters overnight each evening, with doors opening at 7 p.m.
To help residents get there safely, Palm Tran Connection will begin bus pickups along established routes at 6 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m.
Anyone without adequate heat or shelter is encouraged to take advantage of these services during the extreme cold. Shelter space and transportation are available each night conditions meet cold-weather criteria.
Boca Raton weather updates, forecasts, and alerts.
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