Unseasonable heat sets January record in West Palm Beach, Florida at 32.2°C (90°F)

South Florida experienced record-breaking warmth on January 26 as temperatures rose far above seasonal averages. At 13:27 LT (18:27 UTC), West Palm Beach reached 32.2°C (90°F), setting a new daily record and surpassing the previous record of 30°C (86°F) set in 1965.

According to the NWS climate summary, the minimum temperature was 13°C (56°F) at 23:59 LT, producing a daily mean of 22.8°C (73°F), or 7°F (4°C) above average. The observed anomaly reflects a departure of 15°F (8°C) from the long-term 1991–2020 normal maximum of 24°C (75°F).

Climatologically, late January highs in South Florida average 23–25°C (73–77°F). Values near 32°C (90°F) remain rare for this period, placing the 2026 event well outside typical winter variability. The record occurred within a markedly dry month: precipitation on January 26 totaled 3.6 mm (0.14 inches), bringing the monthly accumulation to 9.7 mm (0.38 inches) — 64 mm (2.53 inches) below normal. No snowfall was recorded, consistent with regional climatology.

Meteorological data indicate that the heat developed under a strong subtropical ridge over the Florida Peninsula. The ridge induced subsidence and clear skies while maintaining southerly and westerly flow that advected warm air from lower latitudes.

Winds reached 63 km/h (39 mph) from the northwest, with sustained speeds around 20 km/h (12 mph). Average sky cover was 0.6, and relative humidity ranged from 50 to 96 percent, consistent with partly cloudy, warm conditions typical of a ridge-dominated pattern. Short-lived rain and fog were reported during the day.

Forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) show that while temperatures remained above average through much of late January, extended-range outlooks (6–10 day and 8–14 day) show an increased probability of below-normal temperatures reaching into the Southeast and Florida Peninsula early in February, linked to a negative phase of the Arctic Oscillation and reinforcing cold air.

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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