South Florida woke up to breezy, cool weather on Monday, but forecasters say that was just a preview.
The coldest temperatures are expected Monday night, when a windchill and freeze warning will be issued.
``The real story is what we're expecting tonight,'' said Brad Diehl, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Miami. ``It's certainly going to be much breezier, and we're really expecting the temperatures to plunge tonight.''
For the Miami metro area, temperatures are expected to be in the low to mid-30s. By Lake Okeechobee to the north, the thermometer will read closer to the lower 20s.
``We could get some near record low temperatures,'' Diehl said.
The lowest temperatures are expected Monday, with highs predicted in the 60s and lows between 32 and 37 at night in metropolitan areas, said Chuck Caracozza said. Those on the coast won't have much relief. They can expect lows between 36 to 40.
Add in wind chill, Caracozza said, and Monday night will feel like between 24 and 29 degrees. A freeze watch, which means subfreezing temperatures are possible, also will be in effect, he said. His advice: ``Bring in the plant. Bring in yourself. Turn on the heater.''
Tuesday will bring little relief. During the day, highs will be in the mid to upper 50s, about 20 degrees colder than normal for this time of year.
